Tree removal in Balderton for new Welcome Break services sparks noise and privacy concerns
Concerns have been raised over the removal of trees opposite the site of the new Welcome Break services.
Trees along the side of the B6326 between the Balderton roundabout and Fernwood, opposite the site of the planned Welcome Break service station, have been cut down.
Michelle Marvin, of Bilton Close, Balderton, which backs onto the B6326, claims the trees were meant to act as a sound barrier for residents.
Michelle said: “They’ve literally gone in and started taking trees down.
“Before, people hardly knew the houses where there but now you can see straight into one of my neighbours’ gardens.”
She has concerns that exposing the contents of the gardens, including sheds, could encourage criminals to target the properties.
The trees, she claims, were also home to a variety of nesting birds.
“I definitely have birds on my feeders every day, and we used to have longtail tits and blue tits from the trees,” she added.
The services, being built by HML Construction, has faced mixed reactions since the planning application was submitted by Alliance GW Ltd on behalf of Welcome Break in August 2020.
Sally Gill, group manager of planning at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “I can confirm a contractor working for Welcome Break recently cleared a five-metre swath of vegetation behind the kerb on the western side of the B6326 at Newark. This work was to enable the widening of the road to provide a turning lane leading into the new service area, currently being constructed on the opposite side of the road. It will also ensure that vehicles can safely access the new development.
“Prior to the removal of any vegetation from the area an inspection was undertaken by the developer’s qualified ecologist and no live birds nest were found. Nottinghamshire County Council are working with the developer to agree a suitable mitigation package for any vegetation lost as a result of their works. As part of the process we are also reviewing whether further noise and privacy measures might be appropriate for the adjacent properties.”
Johno Lee, county councillor for Balderton, said: “I was made aware of the situation by a resident and have been liaising directly with council officers.
“I am always disappointed when trees and bushes have to be removed, but it was unable to be helped due to safety requirements for the Welcome Break services.
“I am working with officers to see if any mitigation for noise is required for residents.”
He is willing to speak to any residents with concerns about the tree removal.
Welcome Break confirmed a qualified ecologist surveyed the area to ensure there were no nesting birds and works were undertaken quickly to ensure it was completed before any birds were able to nest.
