A temporary order has been put in place to stop further trees from being removed from an area of land in Peterborough that residents fear is being cleared for housing. Peterborough City Council has issued a provisional tree preservation order on the remaining trees “standing on the site” to the rear of 20 Gunthorpe Road, Peterborough.
The order came into force yesterday (April 17) and will remain in force for six months.
“During this time, we will decide whether the order should be given permanent status,” says a council statement.
Residents are being urged by campaigners to ensure they comment on the order to encourage the city council to make it permanent.
The city council has set a deadline of May 15 for all representations.
A copy of the order can be inspected at Sand Martin House, Fletton Quays, but one has also been attached to the gate access to the land, the owner of the land, and anyone whose home backs onto the land.
“We need as many people as possible to request the council make this order permanent, so would appreciate any assistance you can give in terms of highlighting this as a follow up to the original story,” said Fabienne Loveder who has been one those outraged by the clearance carried out to date.
“This order in place for a period of 6 months, but we have a chance to make it permanent,” said Fabienne.
David Jeffery, a resident who first told CambsNews of dead birds being spotted during clearance of the site, said: “The latest news on the wildlife area is fantastic.
“This is now your opportunity to make a lasting change for the people of PE4 and the whole of Peterborough. This is about securing a wildlife area for now and future generations, if enough people write in to the council this area will be served with a permanent tree preservation order.
“Your house does not have to adjoin the land, if you have been outraged at the carnage and devastation of recent days, now is your chance to make a difference.
“This is not about politics, and I expect any local politicians/ councillors to continue supporting this cause.”
Cambridgeshire police are also involved.
Sgt Andy Gladders told local councillors that he was aware of the wildlife issues at 20 Gunthorpe Road “whereby we have been notified the owner of the land has cleared trees on their private property and disrupted and potentially killed some nesting birds.
“A crime has been raised under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, Protection of nests and eggs of wild birds which will be investigated by the rural crime action team.”
Mayor Cllr Nick Sandford said: “I have been contacted by numerous residents shocked by this mass removal of trees shrubs and natural habitat on a privately owned site off Gunthorpe Road.
“The site has previously been the subject of a planning application which was refused. I intend to pursue this further with relevant senior officers at the council to see what can be done and whether other agencies such as the Forestry Commission or Natural England need to be notified.”
He said workmen had “almost destroyed” the area but he was unsure still what more can be done.
