Councillors will decide this week whether to approve a provisional Tree Preservation Order (TPO) to cover 12 Bramley apple trees in Coton Orchard threatened by plans for a new busway.
The TPO application calls for protection orders to be issued for 12 trees that face being cut down to make way for the proposed Cambourne to Cambridge busway.
A Bramley apple tree at Coton Orchard for which a TPO is sought. Picture: Anna Gazeley
South Cambridgeshire District Council officers had previously used their delegated powers to reject a provisional TPO for the trees, as reported.
However, this latest application will now be heard by the council’s planning committee on Wednesday, 15 January at the request of Cllr Heather Williams.
Cllr Williams, leader of the opposition group at the council, said the decision taken by officers was “inappropriate”.
“We are custodians of the earth. We are not the owners, and we have a duty to future generations to ensure that we protect it,” she said.
Cllr Williams (Con, The Mordens) continued: “Councils need to remember what their duties are and why they are elected, and one of our duties is giving out tree protection orders. It’s not to determine the other part of the legislation in the other application.
“As it stands today, there is no permission in place for the busway, and therefore we should be acting as a council in response to an application in the light of how the situation is.
“First time it went to officers, and they used their discretion to say no. And we’ve seen reports, we’ve seen the summary. It’s really disappointing the outcome that they gave.
“Putting it forward to the planning committee gives us another chance to make sure that people are aware of what’s happening. Make sure that they know that trees can be protected, and the district council is responsible, and they ought to take action and that the decision taken by officers is inappropriate. The councillors are elected, and they need to take responsibility for this.”
Papers published by council ahead of the committee meeting state that while an assessment concluded the trees could be considered for a TPO, officers have not recommended that an order be issued.
A council tree officer said the Bramley apple trees are “unique examples of the species” and contribute to the ecological value of the site as recorded on the Woodland Trust Ancient Tree Inventory.
However, they said a TPO on its own would not protect the trees from the development of the busway.
Officers said if a TPO was issued then permission would be required each time pruning and management practices were undertaken.
If approved, the next steps in the process would include drafting an order to serve on the landowner.