A CAMPAIGNER says a council is going ahead with the planting of trees at an area of parkland without properly consulting residents.

Gary Knight, who set up a website to make people aware of plans to plant thousands of trees at Spring Lane Park, Lexden, believes residents have not been properly consulted on the proposals and the plans are not appropriate for the area.

Colchester Council plans to plant thousands of new trees at the park as part of its Colchester Woodland and Biodiversity Project.

Mr Knight described the council’s approach as a “brutalist’s guide to tree planting and environmental enhancement”.

Mr Knight said: “Take 2.5 acres of outstandingly beautiful parkland. Insert 2,000 trees at an average spacing of just 2.25 metres.

“Create blocks of dense woodland, inaccessible to park users, but claim you’re acting in their interests and enhancing the environment.

“Tell everyone how wonderfully green you are in view of all the trees you’re planting.

“Previous generations of council officials recognised Lexden Springs as an area of outstandingly beautiful parkland that should be preserved, in tact. Those currently holding office do not.

“A more natural, rewilding approach to increasing tree cover is preferred by some.

“Even if you’re just playing the numbers game, why choose popular areas of high scenic value, when less popular areas of low scenic value work just as well?”

In January, Colchester Council said it had delayed planting events at the Spring Lane Park to consult with residents.

Mr Knight added: “Only late in the day, and under pressure, did the council agree to consult with residents. Our experience suggests serious consultation has not occurred.

“The council’s unexpected announcement on February 3 planting was to be brought forward from the autumn and start within days, left many feeling its mind was settled before its belated process of consultation even started.”

A spokesman for Colchester Council said the tree planting taking place was originally scheduled for November and had not been brought forward.

He said: “Since the beginning of 2021, residents and ward councillors have been consulted on at least eight occasions, including via email and online video-calls, during which their questions and concerns were responded to both by officers and by councillor David King.”

The spokesman said trees were planted as per Woodland Trust recommendations.

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