Against nature

Andrew Brown recently blogged about the fate of three trees in St John's recently but we thought it was slightly outside our catchment area to follow-up on.

However, last week, another Sycamore tree was lost - this time in Geoffrey Road, at the edge of the conservation area, near Brockley Cross.

Local residents were not consulted and no explanation has been given as to why it was allowed to be destroyed (despite the fact that it was located in the conservation area). The work was part of a private development, which has helped to tidy up a derelict patch of land, but why the Sycamore had to go as part of that exercise has not been addressed. In fact, there has been no communication about any of the work on that (substantial) plot.

In our view, the loss of trees in cities is always a tragedy that should be avoided if at all possible - they have a civilising effect on the streetscape, provide habitat for wildlife and look nice and leafy. The large trees that line many of Brockley's streets are one of its best defining features.

We have tried to contact the relevant people in Lewisham's planning department about this, but so far, we have had no luck as the team is "very stretched" at the moment.

If any of the councillors who occasionally read this site would care to comment about the Council's position on this matter, it would be much appreciated.