Developer Chris Bulstrode of Brentland Ltd replants trees at Jesmond Avenue site in Highcliffe and says he will be building on the land
A DEVELOPER has planted 30 saplings in place of trees he cut down on a controversial site in Highcliffe after complaints to BCP Council.
Chris Bulstrode says he will be planting more than were felled last year on land that some residents have labelled an “ancient wood” – which he says is “total nonsense.”
He had been reported to police after having 40 trees on the land, which backs onto Jesmond Avenue, cut down. Furious villagers held protests as a team of tree surgeons worked on removing the trees. They claimed Mr Bulstrode was acting “out of spite” after having a planning application to build 16 houses at the site turned down.
But an investigation by BCP Council’s arboriculture and landscape management team found the trees felled were dead or dying. This week 30 saplings were planted along a grass verge in Jesmond Avenue in front of metal barriers which Mr Bulstrode has had installed around the land.
He told the A&T: “We are planting more trees than we have felled. This is being done following a planning permission by BCP’s arboriculture department requiring us to do this.”
Mr Bulstrode, who owns Brentland Ltd, said he will be submitting another planning application for the land once a solution to a planning constraint regarding phosphates is found. Developers must demonstrate they have secured phosphorous mitigation measures before consent is approved for new homes.
He said: “Further planning applications will be made soon once the spectre of the phosphate restraints has been lifted. These applications will be made after submitting detailed proposals to Natural England, BCP planning, arboriculture, environment, highways, and all other relevant interested departments.
“For the avoidance of doubt we intend to robustly pursue a meaningful planning application on this sustainable building site, despite the overwhelming 'nimby’ opposition, and we will not be intimidated.”
The land Mr Bulstrode wants to build on was a compulsory purchase by the former Dorset Council from his family’s firm for the construction of a highway relief road. But the road was never built, and it was sold back to Mr Bulstrode, he maintains, on the understanding that he would obtain planning permission to develop it.
There were 220 objections to his application, with many residents claiming the land was part of the Highcliffe “green corridor”. Others were angry about the possible destruction of animal habitats saying it was a “wildlife haven”.
Mr Bulstrode took his application to appeal but withdrew that in January this year because of the phosphate issue.
Parish and BCP councillor Andy Martin told the A&T: “I am very pleased that the overdue replanting at Jesmond Wood has started following the felling of dozens of trees last year by the landowner.
“I am assured by BCP Council tree team that these first 30 trees will be followed by another 70 but I am still waiting for confirmation as to when this will happen.
“I would like to assure residents that their BCP councillors, along with Highcliffe and Walkford Parish Council and the local community will continue to keep a close eye on things not least in relation to the re-planting conditions being implemented.”
