Eight mature trees set to be chopped down to protect a Leamington church

Holly and lime trees are among those to be chopped down to protect a Leamington church.

A number of fruit trees including apples and pears will be planted to replace those facing the axe and some of the freed-up land will be used to create a community garden complete with wheelchair access.

Rev Stephen Parker was granted permission to fell the eight trees next to St John The Baptist Church, in Tachbrook Street, by Warwick District Council planners this week.

In a letter sent to the council, Rev Parker explained why it was important that the work was carried out.

He said: “We would like all eight of these trees in the north of the curtilage of St John’s removed by felling and stump grinding. They are a collection of mature trees that are close to the walls of a Grade II* Listed building.

“Their proximity to St John’s is degrading the entry of light into the building, as well as causing damage to the drains. We recognise that they have an amenity value to the area and are an important feature of the streetscape, but they are also damaging and obscuring another key amenity – the church.”

Rev Parker added that the proposed community garden would provide another accessible green space for the community living near to the church.

He added: “A community garden would enable us to develop links with our local schools, the Brunswick hub, incredible edibles and through a community vegetable growing project.

“We would also like to use this area for a wildflower patch to support our local insect population, particularly the honeybees which are in serious decline nationally, as well as involving local children with the creation of bug hotels etc.

“It is our ambition that the proposed felling of the current trees will not reduce the overall amenity value of the site, or adversely affect the streetscape of Tachbrook Street, but will instead help preserve the Grade II* church, increase biodiversity in the area, and provide a resource for the wider community.”