Cantel Medical site in Shoebury to have 62 trees felled

Wooden posts are being put in place to secure the site after protestors targeted it

A developer is preparing to cut down protected trees to make way for 72 new homes.

Campaigners have been fighting Taylor Wimpey over plans on the former Cantel Medical Ltd site in Campfield Road, Shoeburyness, Essex.

The development includes the removal of 62 trees which sit on a hill on the boundary of the site.

Earlier this year, the company put up temporary metal fencing which was knocked down by protesters.

Wooden posts are now being put in place to secure the site with wooden pegs marking where the rest should go in due course, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The site includes 41 protected mature hawthorn and maple trees on top of an embankment which is set to be levelled.

'Appalling'

Tim Fransen, who led the fight to save the trees, has suggested alternatives for the scheme which will preserve some of the greenery.

"Nothing's changed from the objections previously. All the suggestions have been ignored and they're just steam rolling ahead, destroying trees and wildlife," he said, branding the scheme as "vandalism".

Resident Mark Ambridge said he was worried people would trip over the wooden marker pegs which are partially obscured by grass.

"It's appalling the lack of concern for pedestrians who could easily trip on them, as they run directly next to the public foot path," Mr Ambridge said.

• Boy asks King to intervene to save trees

He said the path was a popular school run and it was "only a matter of time before someone takes a tumble".

A Taylor Wimpey spokesperson said it had been working to discharge planning conditions since receiving planning permission for the development, which will enable work to start.

"We are confident that our proposals will benefit the wider community and secure the future of this site by delivering 72 high quality new homes."

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