Judicial review begins over loss of ancient trees

Wellingborough Walks Action Group have brought the judicial review after a crowdfunding campaign

A High Court judge is hearing a case about whether a council acted unlawfully in allowing the felling of ancient trees.

Sixteen of about 50 lime trees on The Walks in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, were cut down as part of the Stanton Cross development.

The case against the council is being brought by Wellingborough Walks Action Group (WWAG).

Approval for the development was given by North Northamptonshire Council, with the avenue to be cleared to make way for a dual carriageway.

William Upton KC, counsel for WWAG, told the court in London that the issue was "hugely controversial locally, a well-loved avenue of trees".

"When you’re dealing with protected trees, you need to protect them," he said.

The trees line a footpath in Wellingborough

Deputy High Court judge, Dan Kolinsky KC, said: “We’re here because it’s a matter of great local concern”.

Gary A Grant, for North Northamptonshire Council, told the court "the trees that have been lost were inevitable for the [Route 2] plans".

He admitted the council should have engaged in work to ask questions about which trees would be retained and which would be lost, prior to any being felled.

Saira Kabir Sheikh KC, for Stanton Cross Developments, set out preliminary points arguing that the "developer doesn't need council consent if they are doing works that are necessary to implement the permission [to deliver the road]".

The hearing at the High Court is due to continue on Wednesday.

'The council should listen'

Lucy Hennessy from the Wellingborough Walks Action Group attended court

Campaigner Lucy Hennessy said the judicial review would give a "voice to "Wellingborough residents".

Outside the High Court she said: "Everybody wants these trees saved.

"Many people in Wellingborough use these walks, the council should listen to the residents."

She said there was not an issue with development of Stanton Cross but rather the proposed road.

"The size of the road is not needed," she said.

"It's too big [and] there are other routes."