Fury as ‘200-year-old’ tree axed for new housing development

Residents have hit out at the destruction of a huge tree as vegetation is cleared to make way for a housing development in Nuneaton. Building work has begun on 575 homes on land west of Maple Park and north of Gipsy Lane. The development, by Trenport Investments, will see a new neighbourhood centre created and a public open space with footpaths, cycleways, water attenuation basins and associated infrastructure.

Vegetation and forestry in the area is now being cleared to make way for the homes. A video taken by a resident shows a large tree, believed to be 200-years-old, being demolished on Gipsy Lane and turned into sawdust. Residents have lashed out at the destruction of nature and wildlife.

READ MORE:Arctic blast to bring snow and frost as -2C freeze hits UK: the forecast for Coventry and Warwickshire One wrote on Facebook: “Makes me so sad that what little nature space we have is dwindling fast. All these new houses and not enough schools, doctors or space on roads.

The A444 is an absolute nightmare as it is, god help us.” Another added: “Sick to death of these housing developments disrupting the wildlife and our green spaces, who is going to live in them, not local people I bet, puts more pressure on the schools, roads, GP surgeries and hospitals. Unfortunately is happening all over not just our area.”

Meanwhile, another commented: “Absolutely disgusting. I might not like it, but I get that they will chop trees down, but not using that wood to create something beautiful, just boils my blood.” One said: “Omg no way there will be no wildlife left anywhere soon so sad.” Another resident added: “It’s a disgrace what’s happening to our trees, now for more rubbish houses.”

Planning permission for the housing development was agreed in September 2019. CoventryLive has contacted Warwickshire County Council. Trenport Investments declined to comment.

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