Campaign and petition by Independent Councillor Michael Pearce.

Save Hoo's Oak Trees Petition:

More than a dozen majestic and magnificent oak trees in Hoo are under threat from being felled. The beautiful oaks in question are situated behind/west of Aveling Close/Knights Road and belong to Medway Council. These oaks are protected with a Tree Preservation Order (TPO M230-2015). 

Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) are used to protect selected trees and woodlands if their removal would have a significant negative impact on the local environment and its enjoyment by the public. The protection is used to bring a reasonable degree of public benefit in the present or future.

"The contribution of oak trees to landscapes, biodiversity, culture and economy is enormous.  Renowned in history and legend, oak trees symbolise royalty, patriotism and strength.  But perhaps their greatest feat is nurturing wildlife.  They are a haven for a colossal 2,300 wildlife species, providing vital spaces to eat, shelter and breed." - The Woodland Trust.

Despite all this, the insurance companies of two properties near the oaks have applied for permission (TPA/24/0427 and TPA/24/0717) from the Local Planning Authority (LPA) to fell several of them. This is due to alleged subsidence on the properties - however, very little evidence has been provided to substantiate this.  

An Independent Expert should undertake an investigation of the alleged subsidence, scrutinise the evidence and decide if the felling of these oaks is an appropriate and proportionate outcome - I believe the felling of these oaks is completely unjustified.

Medway Council declared a climate emergency in April 2019 and passed a motion committing to reduce its carbon footprint and provide the local community with a clean, green future. The potential felling of these oaks, which are in the custodianship of Medway Council, would fly in the face of this Climate Emergency declaration and promise made to the community.  

As volunteer Tree Warden for the parish of Hoo and Chattenden, it is my duty to monitor and champion our local trees, especially those significant enough to be protected with a Tree Preservation Order (TPO).

This petition calls for:  

1. An independent investigation into the alleged subsidence, to scrutinise the evidence and to decide if the felling of these protected oak trees is an appropriate and proportionate outcome.  

2. The Local Planning Authority (LPA) to object to any further applications to fell these protected oak trees.  

3. Medway Council, as owner of these protected oak trees, to refuse permission for them to be felled.  

It's within Medway Council's power to stop this environmental vandalism and to protect wildlife and our local landscape. I believe the felling of these protected oak trees would be unprecedented for the authority.  

Thank you for signing.

Michael Pearce.

#SAVEHOOSOAKTREES 

*This online petition will be converted to a paper petition in order to be accepted by Medway Council.  Please ensure you provide all the details requested when signing.

Petition link:  https://chng.it/pSCbQmqn8C

Tree applications

TPA/24/0427 - https://publicaccess1.medway.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=S9IE2NKNN2K00

TPA/24/0717 - https://publicaccess1.medway.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=SBMJLAKNFV700

News coverage

BBC News - www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c2x3dlx61j0o

Kent Online - www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/fight-to-save-iconic-oak-trees-from-the-chop-305459/

Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) - www.cprekent.org.uk/news/majestic-hoo-oak-trees-face-the-axe-petition-launched-to-save-them/

BBC Radio Kent - www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0hrvqnj

Promoted by Independent Councillor Michael Pearce on behalf of The Independent Group, both at 17 Grandsire Gardens, Hoo, Hoo Peninsula, Rochester, Kent, ME3 9LH.