PRESS RELEASE Town councillors bid to protect trees after large areas of woodland were cleared

Town councillors are to bid to protect trees after large areas of woodland were recently cleared in Kippington due to Ash Dieback.

Concerns about extensive recent felling of trees were discussed by Town councillors earlier this week. Ash Dieback has led to large areas being cleared.

It isn’t known how many of the trees were affected by Ash Dieback, a fungal disease in Ash trees which causes leaf loss, crown dieback and eventually death of the tree.

However, in the STC Planning and Environment Committee on Monday this week [4/11/24] councillors committed to pursuing Tree Protections for the mature trees, which include other species such as oak trees, in order to prevent further destruction without initial investigation.

For a Tree Protection Order (TPO) to be made legal, an application needs to be made to the Local Planning Authority (SDC) with justification as to why the tree or trees should be protected, including detail of species/rarity, cultural/historical value and their contribution to things like local environment, public enjoyment/benefit, landscape/character.

There are many TPOs in the Kippington area but they do not currently cover the location in question.

The Town Council hopes to collaborate with local residents’ associations to use their knowledge and familiarity with the area as this will be an extensive project to undertake.

To contact the council if you feel you can offer help, please email planning@sevenoakstown.gov.uk