Many people view the railway path as a linear park and want the environment preserved for the future. It is also the nation's primary example of a well established sustainable commuter route. However, this greenway is still threatened by plans to develop it into a shared transport route which forces pedestrians, cyclists and buses all together - Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). There is also a planning application for a controversial residential development beside the path at Greenbank. The following request was an attempt to get all the trees pictured below protected.
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X
Bristol City Council
Brunel House
St George's Road
Bristol
4th May, 2008
Tree Preservation Order: Bristol-Bath Railway Path
Bristol City Council: see 01-44
South Gloucestershire Council: see 45-58
File attachment: TPO - railway path.pdf
Dear X,
I wish to apply under The Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and the Town and Country Planning (Trees) Regulations 1999 for permanent Tree Preservation Orders on the following trees and woodlands situated along the Bristol-Bath Railway Path. For ease of communication I have listed the trees and woods in geographic order between Newtown Park and Mangotsfield. The trees and woodlands are under threat from the proposed Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) scheme. Please inform me if any orders currently exist.
The trees and woods should be protected as their removal would:
- have a significant impact on the environment and its enjoyment by the public.
- destroy the character of the greenways set aside for public use, according to council planning.
The trees and woods currently provide:
- a healthy environment which promotes a 'sense of place' for well-used public and green spaces.
- the environment for tranquil and healthy leisure pursuits including walking, cycling and jogging.
- a flourishing green corridor which stimulates the local economy, including Avon Valley Railway, Turner’s Farm Shop, cafes and numerous public houses.
- a ‘public garden’ for people without access to their own green space.
- the environment that attracts thousands of sustainable commuter journeys which are increasing every year.
- psychological well-being amid an otherwise bustling urban environment.
- many vibrant and creative community groups with pride in their local environment.
- the objective of the council for Bristol to become the UK’s Green Capital and Cycling Demonstration City.
- fresh air and help combat climate change.
- an environmental heritage of many fruit trees which symbolise the old orchards of Bristol.
- the natural habitat for a variety of wildlife.
Any destruction of these trees or woods under the BRT scheme is contrary to the following council plans:
Bristol Local Plan re Movement, Leisure & the Natural Environment Greenways are largely off-highway routes intended for shared use by non-motorised forms of transport (except powered chairs for disabled use). They can be linked together to form a network connecting people to facilities and open spaces in and around the City and linking to neighbouring communities and the countryside. They are for use by people of all abilities and for commuting, utility & leisure. Non motorised forms of transport (for example walking, cycling & horse-riding etc) are key elements in the Councils LTP strategy and are recreational activities in their own right which are inexpensive, healthy and sustainable which can be enjoyed by people of all ages and incomes. In 1979 the City Council introduced the concept of providing trunk walkways and cycling routes, and it is from this initiative that the aim to provide city-wide Greenway links was established.
Yours sincerely,
X
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Neither Bristol or South Gloucestershire Council upheld my concerns as they "didn't have the time to investigate" and denied any threat from the BRT plans because all the trees are in safe public ownership. This has already been proven untrue with the Council selling off a strip of land against its own green policies because it was not actually surplus public sector land.
http://greenbristolblog.blogspot.com/2008/09/second-bite-of-cherry-trees.html
http://www.bristolgreenparty.org.uk/nr/080127cyclepath.htm
Did you know hedgerow trees can also be covered by a Tree Preservation Order? If you think a tree or wood needs long-term protection then contact the Council as they have a legal duty to enforce this. You can find key information here:
http://www.bristol.gov.uk/ccm/content/Environment-Planning/Planning/tree-preservation-orders.en
http://www.communities.gov.uk/planningandbuilding/planning/treeshighhedges/trees/
Updates & Current Threats
11: Hedgerows have been removed from the border of the park.
18, 19 & 20: Hawthorn hedge and area at threat from the 'Cycle Houses' development.
http://thestoryofahedge.blogspot.com/
19: Overhanging archway removed.
31-35: Massive tree felling throughout Upper Eastville to lay power lines for street lighting.
