Cllr Heather Williams, Leader of the Conservative Opposition at South Cambridgeshire District Council, expressed her disappointment at the failure to protect these ancient trees in the following statement:
“Back in March, I submitted a Tree Preservation Order for the trees in Coton Orchard. I was very disappointed that it took the length of time it did to be dealt with – but not as disappointed as I was to read the report deciding not to protect these wonderful historic trees in Coton Orchard.
“Having sat on the GCP Assembly, I have heard and seen the passion of local residents in their attempts to save Coton Orchard. Along the process, I have had great sympathy with them and felt that if these were trees in any other location, I would seek to protect them – so that’s exactly what I should do for Coton Orchard.
“Since I received the decision, information has come out via an FOI request not from myself. Having read the emails, I can completely understand why residents feel the way they do.
“I have resubmitted the application and asked that elected Planning Committee members be the final decision-makers on an orchard whose ancient and historic value deserves the respect of a democratic process.
“I very much hope that this new application will come to committee and give elected councillors the opportunity to deliberate, debate and determine this application.”
100-year-old Coton Orchard is home to around 1,000 trees – but at least 500 trees could be destroyed by the Cambourne to Cambridge busway (C2C) that will plough straight through the orchard.
Trees set to be destroyed includes 12 ancient Bramleys – one of which, the “Champion Tree”, is the second largest of its kind ever recorded in Britain and Ireland.
A timeline of how flustered Lib Dems have fobbed off a crucial protection order for South Cambridgeshire’s green spaces is below:
- 5 March 2024: Application submitted.
- 97 days later, 10 June 2024: Chaser email sent by Cllr Williams.
- 126 days later, 9 July 2024: Chaser email sent by Cllr Williams.
- 148 days later, 31 July 2024: Chaser email sent by Cllr Williams.
- 154 days later, 6 August 2024: Chaser email sent by Cllr Williams.
- 161 days later, 13 August 2024: Chaser email sent by Cllr Williams.
- 217 days later, 8 October 2024: Chaser email sent by Cllr Williams.
- 232 days later, 23 October 2024: Final chaser email sent by Cllr Williams.
- 241 days later, 1 November 2024: Decision notice received, rejecting the TPO.
