Fears over future of tree in scenic part of Astley Bridge

Town hall chiefs have confirmed that an objection has been received against a tree preservation order (TPO) made last September on land off Templecombe Drive, Belmont Road, after concerns that trees would be removed for development.

There now stands an objection to the order, with residents worried that if granted it would take away the natural beauty of the area.

Cllr John Walsh OBE, representing Astley Bridge, said: “I’m terrified. We shouldn’t be removing trees unnecessarily.

“Woodland areas should be protected, not cut down. We need to start preserving them before we lose them.

“They can’t be replaced overnight.”

This woodland area differs to other types of spaces commonly found when development comes into discussion.

It’s not the same as “belts,” such as Green Belt or Grey Belt land, instead it’s protected just by Bolton Council.

Though the trees are on private land, the site owner would need permission to cut down, damage or uproot the trees.

So far, there have been letters and emails from the locals at Templecombe Drive area to the council about the objection to the order.

A spokesperson for Bolton Council said: “An objection has since been received from an agent acting on behalf of the site owner(s), in addition over 30 letters of support have also been received.

“As a formal objection has been submitted, the TPO must now be referred to Planning Committee for determination.

“The matter is currently scheduled for 26 March, when Members will decide whether the Order should be confirmed, confirmed with modification, or not confirmed.”

TPOs is an order made by a local planning authority in England to protect specific trees, groups of trees or woodlands in the interests of amenity.

An Order prohibits the: cutting down, topping, lopping, uprooting, wilful damage or wilful destruction of trees without the local planning authority’s written consent. If consent is given, it can be subject to conditions which have to be followed. In the Secretary of State’s view, cutting roots is also a prohibited activity and requires the authority’s consent.