A row of lime trees is set to be chopped down at a military base in Plymouth after the city council approved the decision on national security grounds. The seven mature trees at the Regimental Training Wing will be removed to make way for a new security fence, sparking outrage among locals.
While the council acknowledged the decision was regrettable, it emphasized that national security must take precedence. However, residents argue that there is no valid reason for the ruling. This is not the first time the council has faced criticism for tree felling, as 110 trees were cut down in the city center last year in what was dubbed a “midnight massacre.”
The application to remove the lime trees was submitted by Vivo, which manages assets for the Ministry of Defence. Planners explained that the current fence at the site has deteriorated and does not meet security standards required for an active military facility. They noted that the replacement fence is necessary for national security, despite the need to balance it with the preservation of mature trees in a conservation area.
Residents are upset about losing the trees, citing their mental health benefits and concerns about biodiversity loss. They believe a different solution should have been reached. Despite 12 official objections, the fence installation was approved without committee review.
One resident expressed concern about the loss of biodiversity and urged for a plan that incorporates existing trees. Another resident highlighted the importance of the trees to wildlife and the community, suggesting building around them instead of removing them. The council assured that seven new trees will be planted at the site, along with 29 on council grounds nearby, but they will be smaller than the current limes.
In response to the backlash, a Plymouth City Council spokesman clarified that they granted planning permission to the Ministry of Defence to fell trees on their own land. The council will not be involved in the tree felling process. They emphasized that the decision was made based on established planning policy and evidence provided by the applicant.