Locals fear for their beautiful cherry blossoms as developer uproots trees
A DEVELOPER has sought to reassure residents after cherry trees started to be removed from the site of a new housing development – leaving some upset and worried.
Sherwood residents spotted the trees on Spondon Street being dug up on Tuesday.
Plans to rebuild Sherwood Library on Spondon Street from scratch and build a development of 12 houses, 22 flats, and a public car park were given the green light in 2021.
However, residents started a petition due to concerns regarding the future of the trees on the street, which are noted for their attractive spring blossom.
The developer, Hockley Developments, then confirmed all the trees on nearby Mansfield Street would remain in place, while the Spondon Street ones were to be relocated in Sherwood.
But alarm was spread among residents recently, when one of the contractors on site said the trees would instead be relocated to Derbyshire.
Rebecca Gilby, 39 and from Sherwood, said the events were “absolutely appalling”.
She added: “The residents of
Sherwood really value those blossom trees. They’ve been here for as long as I’ve lived in Sherwood.
“They started digging them up on Monday so I went up to have a look today and they’re still digging them up.
“The roots are being disturbed and we’re worried the trees won’t survive because they’re being moved during budding season.
“We’re just disgusted because it feels like they’re trees that have been in the Sherwood area, I imagine, for a very long time.
They’re absolutely beautiful.
“It’s somewhere that we walk and visit every spring with my daughter and go and collect blossom.”
The developer confirmed the trees were being relocated to Derbyshire – but only temporarily.
The trees will then be relocated nearby as originally agreed.
A spokesperson for Hockley Developments said: “Many of the trees are being retained where they are. Nine of the cherry trees will be relocated as agreed at planning. The relocated cherry trees are highlighted in the green cross hatch as stated in the key.
“Four will be located opposite plots 2-9. One will be replanted on the corner of plot 14 where one was removed previously. The remaining four will be located behind plots 10-13. The trees being relocated are being moved to a nursery in Derbyshire while the site is a building site, and then will be relocated as stated above.
“This is all as per the planning approval, to allow access to the new family homes.”