Oxford nature park tree felling is found to be 'illegal'

Oxford City Council had intended to chop down 18 trees at the Grandpont Nature Reserve but got as far as six before officials suggested any further action would be breaking the law.

Objectors opposed the tree chopping as they said it would be "depriving 1,000 people a day" from the woodland to make space for a "huge" and "unnecessary" bridge.

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The council says its new pedestrian and cycle bridge, which is due to be deliberated for planning permission later this month, will "serve as a vital link for local people".

A spokesman for the authority disputed the claim that the felling was illegal.

Objector Dan Glazebrook said he was relieved officials had intervened when they had to prevent the felling.

Save Grandpont Nature Reserve. (Image: Contribution.)

He added: "They owe us one.

"They were aware but were just going ahead with it.

"They would have been faced with prosecution if they hadn't stopped.

"We are still opposed to the bridge and are urging everyone to write to the planning committee officer.

"It is a waste of public money."

Mr Glazebrook, who was born and grew up in the area, said the group of objectors had conducted a tally last week which revealed that around 1,000 people walked through the woodland each day.

What is at stake. (Image: Contribution.)

A forestry commission officer said the six trees already felled had been "just about" within the legal limit but planning permission or a licence was required to fell any further trees.

The council had insisted a few days ago that the tree felling itself did not require planning consent.

In response to the recent intervention, a council spokesman said: "Following recent work to remove selected trees in preparation for the proposed construction of the Oxpens River Bridge, the council is applying to the Forestry Commission for a licence for the remainder, in parallel with seeking planning permission for the bridge.

"The council has paused work while this happens. 

"The Forestry Commission has confirmed the works completed to date did not require a permit as they were below the thresholds, as per advice given to the council by external consultants ahead of work starting."

The bridge will link Osney Mead to Oxpens. (Image: Oxford City Council)

Deborah Glass Woodin, another bridge and tree felling opponent said: "I am hugely relieved.

"But it is really disappointing we had to fight to get them to do the right thing.

"The council had been absolutely insistent that what they were doing was not illegal.

"If they had continued they would have been prosecuted.

"People stepped up and we were guarding those trees from seven in the morning until seven in the evening.

"The main thing to say is what brilliant community action it has been."

Speaking at Wednesday lunchtime, a city council spokesman said: "A licence is required to remove more than 5m3 of timber, although there are exemptions.

"A representative from the Forestry Commission has confirmed that works completed to date are not considered to exceeded this, but they said removing more trees could require a licence.

"For the avoidance of doubt, the council has paused work and will apply for a licence, in parallel with seeking planning permission for the bridge. 

"The council is committed to replacing the trees removed and ensuring that the project will lead to a net increase in city tree coverage.

"The wood from the felled trees will be used to create new habitat for invertebrates within the woodland."