Fury Over Loss Of Cherry Trees at Homebase Site

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Barratt Homes accused of reneging on commitment to preserve trees

There has been a furious reaction from local residents to the loss of the arcade of cherry trees on East Acton Lane. They are accusing Barratt Homes, the developer of the site of the former Homebase, of going back on a promise to retain the trees.

Up until recently the site had been obscured by hoardings but just before Christmas it was noticed that the tress had gone. The purple leafed cherry plum trees are believed to be around thirty years old and it would take at least 15 years for any replacements to reach an equivalent level of maturity according to a horticulturist who we spoke to about the matter.

Kathleen Chapple says that she received an assurance from Phil Robinson the director in charge of the development site at Savoy Circus at a public consultation meeting on the project. She has email him and the managing director of the company saying, "To say I am disappointed with Barratts is an understatement."

She said, "At the consultation held in St Dunstan's Church earlier this year I was assured that the beautiful flowering cherry trees lining the boundary along East Acton Lane would be preserved. Today I walked past and they have been felled.

"Together with the fact that they have decided to increased the height and capacity of the development I am utterly appalled at their duplicitous and destructive policies. Barratts appear to have no interest whatsoever in the quality of life of residents of East Acton. "

We have contacted Barratt Homes for comment but are yet to receive a reply.

Ealing Council say they are looking into the matter.

 

January 4, 2019