Protected trees on the edge of Somerset’s county town could be torn down to allow more than 1,400 new homes to be built.
Persimmon Homes South West and Redrow Homes put forward joint plans in December 2021 for phase two of the Monkton Heathfield urban extension, which will deliver new homes at Taunton’s north-eastern edge along with employment sites, a new school and a relief road.
A decision on the plans has been repeatedly delayed since September 2022, during which time the masterplan for the development has been altered through substantial negotiations between the developers and planning officers.
Under the most recent revisions to the masterplan, a number of trees which are covered by tree preservation orders (TPOs) will have to be cut down to make room for the new relief road linking the new homes to the A38.
West Monkton Parish Council has stringently objected to this element and is calling on local residents to formally oppose the destruction of these trees – of which three are at least 100 years old.
TPOs are orders made by local authorities (in this case Somerset Council or its predecessors) to protect specific trees, groups of trees or woodlands in the interests of public amenity.
The orders do not prohibit any changes to the trees at all (such as removing branches if they are a threat to public safety), but they cannot be cut down, uprooted or otherwise damaged without written consent from the council’s planning team.
In a statement published on their official Facebook page, West Monkton Parish Council said: “We need your help to stop the developers putting profits before our precious wildlife.
“Persimmon and Redrow Homes want to cut down up to eight mature trees as part of their proposed 1,450 home Monkton Heathfield phase two development.
“At least six of the trees have tree preservation orders on them, and three are mature oaks that must be more than 100 years old.
“The trees are important habitat for rare and endangered bats that the developers own ecological surveys have identified in the area. Please help to save these trees.”
Phase two of the urban extension (now being marketed as Langaller Park) covers the land between the existing homes and the Walford Cross waste depot, along with a small amount of land to the north of Monkton Elm Garden Centre.
The most recent version of the plans envision a total of 1,450 homes, nearly five hectares (c. 12 acres) of employment land, a ‘through’ school (combining primary and secondary provision on the same site, a ‘district centre’ with local shops, a ‘mobility hub’ and a new eastern relief road to link up with the A38.
The green space within the site has been significantly rearranged, with the relief road being surrounded by new homes rather than skirting around the southern and eastern edges via a series of roundabouts.
While commercial space remains at the eastern edge of the site, the local centre and ‘mobility hub’ is concentrated around the western section.
The layout of green space is designed to provide a buffer between the new homes and the M5, and to enable phosphate mitigation to be delivered within the site to prevent any damage to the Somerset Levels and Moors.
Numerous local residents have already objected to the planned loss of trees on the council’s official planning portal.
Stuart Goble, who lives on Mead Way, said: “I think it is disgraceful and shows a total lack of consideration for our dwindling natural environment, that Persimmon want to cut down tress with TPOs on them.
“Plans should be adjusted to ensure these valuable habitats are maintained within the Monkton Heathfield phase two planning framework for the benefit of all, rather than boosting profits for the developer by taking the easy approach and continuing to build low-quality housing in our village.”
David Fowler, who lives on Bawler Road, concurred: “These trees play a crucial role in our local ecosystem, providing habitat for wildlife and improving air quality.
“The trees have been identified as either being suitable for, or currently
containing bat roosts.
“Protected trees have significant aesthetic value to the community, contributing to the area’s character and residents’ quality of life.
“The developers should be required to explore alternative designs that incorporate these protected trees, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable development.”
Gracienne Jackson, who lives on Knight Close, added: “These trees are protected for a reason – plenty of wildlife creatures and animals can be found there. Build around these trees.
“We still need to have these green open spaces for all ages to enjoy.
“Development must be allowed to happen but not at the expense of these trees and land.”
The council’s planning committee west (which makes decisions on major applications within the former Somerset West and Taunton area) is expected to make a decision on the Monkton Heathfield proposals by the late-autumn.
To make a formal objection to the plans, visit www.somerset.gov.uk/planning-buildings-and-land and search for planning application number 14/21/0047.
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