Protected Yew Trees Face the Axe in Winchester Planning Dispute
A contentious planning application to chop down two protected yew trees at a £1.4 million home in Winchester has provoked outrage among local residents, who are branding the proposal a "travesty of justice." Property developer Peter Sykes seeks to remove the 30-foot-high trees to create space for a new building and parking bays at the front of his property in the St Cross district of Hampshire.
Neighbours Decry "Manipulation" of Planning Process
The yew trees, which are over 60 years old and in good condition, are safeguarded by a tree preservation order and were previously mandated for conservation by council planning committees. Last year, Mr Sykes secured approval to construct a new house in his garden on the condition that the trees remained untouched, a decision that already angered neighbours. Now, he is challenging Winchester City Council's stance, with a planning committee set to review the case on April 15.
Neighbours have accused Mr Sykes of "manipulating" the planning process, noting that the property has not been permanently occupied for five years. They argue that he should sell the home, which his family has owned since the 1960s, to someone who would restore it rather than let it fall into "rack and ruin." Fifteen objections have been lodged, citing concerns over the impact on the "quaint" and "quirky" conservation area, one of the first of its kind in the country.
Residents Voice Fears Over Street Character and Parking
Local residents have expressed deep-seated worries about how the tree removal would alter the street's aesthetic and exacerbate parking issues on the narrow road. Peter Moir, 78, who has lived opposite the house since 1992, stated, "It will massively impact how the street looks. It is a pretty Victorian area with a lot of old walls in front of the houses." He added that the proposals are "totally impractical" and that Mr Sykes "will continue to try and manipulate the planning process."
Nick Page, a 69-year-old retired lawyer who has resided next door since 1994, emphasised the conservation area's significance, saying, "People like this are going to destroy the conservation area." He criticised Mr Sykes for opting for the "cheapest option every time" and allowing the property to become an "eyesore" after five years of renovation work.
Developer's History and Community Relations Under Scrutiny
Mr Sykes, who lives in Andover, has had multiple tenants at the Winchester property, recently including Polish contractors performing maintenance. Neighbours report a strained relationship, with industry manager Liam Kilpatrick, 55, noting, "He treats us with a total disrespect" and has made "zero effort to engage with the community." Kilpatrick also raised concerns that previous council meetings disregarded the social impact of such developments.
Despite Mr Sykes's stated desire to eventually live in the four-bedroom home, neighbours remain sceptical, pointing to his history as a landlord. The application has intensified frustrations, with many calling for a sale to preserve the area's heritage. As the planning committee date approaches, residents are bracing for a battle over the fate of the ancient yews and the character of their historic neighbourhood.
