Southampton Airport's Tree Felling Plans Spark Outrage Among Locals

A row has broken out at Southampton City Council over the airport's proposal to chop down 19 trees in a neighbouring cemetery to allow more passengers on planes. The airport claims that the trees present an obstacle to aircraft landing and taking off, resulting in weight restrictions on passengers, fuel, and luggage. However, locals are outraged, citing the trees' historical significance and the potential danger to residents and animals.

Key Takeaways:

• The airport plans to fell 19 trees and reduce the height of a further 10 trees in South Stoneham Cemetery, which is home to 66 Commonwealth war graves.
• The trees, which range in height from 5 to 22 metres, are not protected by a tree preservation order but are treated as if they have an additional level of protection by the council.
• Rosemary Milne, who runs an animal sanctuary near the cemetery, fears that increased flight traffic will put residents in "more danger" and impact her rescue animals.
• The airport claims that chopping down the trees will make the site more attractive to airlines and enable travel to further away destinations, bringing in "1,050 jobs" and "£75 million" of revenue to the area.
• The trees range in age from not long after the cemetery's opening in 1905, with some species including oak, silver birch, cypress, lime, poplar, pear, cherry, and apple trees.
• Southampton City Council will make a final decision on Tuesday.
• The airport-commissioned report stated that managing the 29 trees would assist Southampton International Airport Limited in realising the full benefits associated with the approved and implemented runway extension.

Statistics:

• 19 trees are proposed to be felled in South Stoneham Cemetery.
• The trees range in height from 5 to 22 metres (16-72 ft).
• 10 trees with a height reduction of 2-6 metres will be implemented.
• The airport claims that chopping down the trees will bring in "1,050 jobs" locally.
• The airport estimates that the revenue generated by the airport will be "£75 million".
• South Stoneham Cemetery has 66 Commonwealth war graves, five from the First World War, and 61 from the Second World War.

Sources:

• Telegraph reporters
• Southampton airport's proposal
• Airport-commissioned report
• Southampton City Council