Agenda item

Opportunity for questions and comments relating to the trees in the Market Place.

The issue of the trees had generated the most public interest in the scheme, with a petition in support of retaining the existing trees receiving over 11,000 signatures to date.

The results of the survey (so far) relating to the trees were as follows:

The Chairman invited questions and comments, noting that Shane Verrion, the Council’s tree officer was present to answer any technical questions in relation to the trees:

·         In response to a question it was noted that the replacement of the trees as part of the Vision’s withdrawn plans had accounted for a relatively small proportion of the overall cost of the scheme.  An exact answer could not be given as the work on the detailed breakdown of costs would have been undertaken after the planning permission stage.

·         Shane Verrion, Wiltshire Council’s Tree Officer, confirmed that his personal opinion was in favour of the retention of the 30 healthy trees which were graded B (worthy of retention).  Of the remaining four trees, number 480 (as shown on the plan at page 1 of the agenda) was graded R (needs replacement), and numbers 482, 464, and 486 were graded C (of no great value).

·         Responding to a question, Shane estimated that the trees had not been maintained for over five years, although it was noted that this was the responsibility of another part of the Council.

·         Shane considered that the four large trees along the western boundary of the Marketplace could be brought back into condition with regular pollarding on a 3-7 year cycle.

·         It was noted that Letts Wheeler, the architects who had designed the Vision’s proposal, had been selected partly as their proposal originally proposed to retain the trees.  This had changed once the architects became aware of the root damage to the tarmac and drains, and was to protect the proposed high quality surfacing.

·         In response to a question, Shane noted that it was not good practice to run cables between trees, although it was not unusual, and the trees would tolerate a small amount of damage from tack pins etc.

·         The questions was put as to whether Letts Wheeler had failed to meet the requirements of the contract as the design had been withdrawn, or whether the procurement process had been inadequate.  Alistair Cunningham, Wiltshire Council’s Service Director for Economy and Enterprise, undertook to investigate this and report back to the Area Board.

ACTION: Alistair Cunningham

·         The view was expressed that the Marketplace should be kept as two distinct spaces (i.e. the Market Square and the Guildhall Square), rather than being combined into one large space by the removal of the line of Lime trees down the boundary of the two squares, as proposed under the Vision’s withdrawn proposal.

·         The view was also expressed that having one single space would offer greater flexibility for events, such as the Christmas lights switch-on, and the Remembrance Sunday parade.  It was also noted that the Marketplace had been one single space until the trees had been planted in the 1890s.

·         In response to a question, Shane advised that surface roots should only be a significant problem around larger trees, often within a 2m radius of the tree.  Exploratory work would be required prior to identifying a solution.  If the roots could not be pruned due to risk of destabilising the tree, then other options included a raised surface around the tree, or resin-bonded surfacing which would absorb some root growth.

·         Replying to a question regarding systems to ensure the survey was only completed once by each household, the Chairman explained that only 1 electronic reply could be submitted per computer, although this could not be verified for paper copies.

·         Shane confirmed that there was an established virus for London Plane trees.  However, this was no more prevalent than similar diseases for other species, and was not apparent on the trees in the Marketplace.

·         In response to a question, Shane reported that the life expectancy of London Place trees was in excess of 40 years, although it was impossible to be accurate, as each specimen would be different.

·         Reference was made to a village in France where the main square was built on a raised area to accommodate tree roots, while also maintaining a level surface for wheelchair users.

In concluding the discussion on the trees, the Chairman asked for a show of hands from the room on a number of issues, as follows.

·         The meeting was in favour of retaining two separate spaces inside the Marketplace (i.e. the Market Square and the Guildhall Square).

·         The meeting was in favour of keeping the existing trees.

·         The meeting was in favour of regular maintenance of the trees.

·         The meeting had no strong view regarding planting more trees.

·         The meeting was in favour of the option of providing street furniture around the trees to address the issue of root growth.

It was noted that this was only representative of the views of those present, and that further public debate (including the results of the survey) would be necessary to ensure a reliable indication of public opinion.