Stanley Avenue footway resurfacing scheme – felling of street trees

Results updated 8 Jan 2026

During the consultation period, two responses were received. The first raised concerns that the proposed replacement planting consisted of shrubs rather than trees and suggested that this approach prioritised reduced maintenance over retaining the existing character of Stanley Avenue. The respondent also expressed doubt about whether long-term watering and maintenance of new planting would be carried out effectively, referencing previous examples where trees in other areas had failed.

In response to this, we would like to clarify that the selected species include both smaller and larger-growing trees, ranging from approximately 4 metres to over 12 metres at maturity. The variety in form and ultimate height has been chosen deliberately to improve biodiversity, resilience, and visual interest along the street. Contractors will be required to water and maintain the new planting to recognised industry standards, including increased watering during dry spells. While it is inevitable that a small percentage of trees may fail within an urban environment, where this occurs, they will be replaced.

The second response related to concerns regarding honey fungus and whether this was considered when selecting replacement species. We can confirm that honey fungus (Armillaria mellea) is a common pathogen affecting a wide variety of tree species. Whilst the chosen replacements can be susceptible, they are not considered among the most vulnerable species. Honey fungus is currently only known to affect one of the trees proposed for removal, and replanting is not planned in that same location.

Following careful consideration of the consultation responses, the decision has been taken to proceed with the proposed tree removals and replacement planting scheme on Stanley Avenue. The works are necessary due to the declining condition of 8 existing trees, associated damage to the adjacent highway infrastructure, and the need to ensure long-term safety and sustainability.

We would like to reassure residents that the replacement trees have been carefully selected by qualified arboricultural professionals to balance street character, biodiversity, resilience to urban conditions, and future maintenance requirements. A mix of appropriately sized tree species will be planted to ensure continued greenery, ecological benefit, and visual amenity. Maintenance, including watering, establishment care, and replacement of any failures, will be undertaken in line with recognised standards.

Tree works cannot legally commence until the statutory consultation process has fully concluded. The first consultation period has now closed, and the second statutory period will run from 9 January 2026 for a further 28 days until 6 February 2026. No tree felling can take place before this date. In addition, the tree works will follow completion of the planned civil engineering works on Stanley Avenue, which are scheduled to finish in early March 2026. Arboricultural works will therefore take place after this point, subject to statutory and ecological requirements.

We would like to thank residents for their feedback and engagement throughout this process.

 

Files:

• Consultation Response Stanley Avenue.pdf, 399.5 KB (PDF document)