Fears over bid to axe Tettenhall woodland

Dozens of protected trees dating back more than 100 years are to be chopped down to make way for a new housing estate, under plans unveiled today.

David Wilson Homes has sent a formal request to Wolverhampton City Council to have an area of woodland off Wergs Road, Tettenhall removed – despite telling residents the trees would play a part in any new development there.

And the argument may even be taken to the House of Lords after Tettenhall resident Rachael Heyhoe Flint pledged her support.

Residents have urged the council to reject the tree proposal, which has been made ahead of a formal application for the 64-home development being submitted next month.

An initial proposal for 62 homes was welcomed during consultation meetings last year. But now the developer wants to add two more properties to the scheme and plans to make room for them by removing the trees.

Capaigners said that destroying historic woodland would be hugely detrimental to the landscape.

Ward Councillor Mark Evans said: "I'd emphasise the development as a whole is welcome, but I'd ask the council to carefully consider the impact the destruction of these trees would have."

Campaigner Vernon Dodd enlisted the help of tree experts Tree Reports, which made a preliminary assessment of the site. A report from Daniel Simpson, of Tree Reports, says: "In my opinion . . . the woodland has more than 40 years remaining contribution to the site."

Jon Rowson, planning manager for David Wilson Homes, said they hoped to submit a planning application in July and looked forward to "working with the local authority and nearby residents to come up with an appropriate scheme for this site."

An exhibition of the plans will go on display at ADAS, in Wergs Road, from 3.30pm to 8pm on June 21.