Barnet (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Barnet Council has dropped plans to remove five 70-year-old birch trees near East Finchley Station, following local concern and environmental interest.
Developer Places for Barnet, a collaboration between the council and London Placemaking, has put forward ideas for 75 new dwellings and a new nursery facility on the property, which is currently occupied by Monkey Puzzle Nursery.
247 people signed a petition earlier this year opposing the “Cherry Tree Quarter” project, citing concerns that the designs were insufficiently detailed and that, in their existing form, the ideas did not comply with planning regulations.
Places for Barnet stated in July that the trees would have to be taken down in order for the development to “move forward,” but they also mentioned that they will look into whether they might be “retained or replanted.”
A separate petition, signed by over 700 people, was submitted to the council in June protesting the plans to have the five trees removed.
Roger said:
“It was very surprising I have to say but I’m very grateful nevertheless. I think the council has recognised these particular trees do play a very valuable part, it’s never been about stopping development and it never was.”
He added:
“All of a sudden I got an email, the officer had looked at it [the request] and recommended it and it had gone through.
I can only think the fact we had 700 signatures behind it showed there was intense local support for such an action and I think the council did finally take that into account.”
Referring to Cherry Tree Quarter he said this decision “set the context” for “any future development”.
A council spokesperson said:
“A tree preservation order has been made following receipt of a petition in relation to the trees located at the front of Park House.
The petition will be heard by strategic planning committee in September.”
Although the council has not responded to inquiries about why the petition has to be heard after the requests have been granted, Roger stated that he was nevertheless pleased to bring the matter before the committee once more.
Why did Barnet Council decide to halt the removal of these specific trees?
A strong local campaign, including petitions and advocacy by community groups like the Friends of Cherry Tree Wood, raised awareness about the value of these mature trees and pushed for their protection.
The trees are recognized for their significant environmental benefits, contribution to urban biodiversity, and positive impact on public health and local aesthetics.
Barnet’s Tree Policy emphasizes preserving mature trees wherever possible, only permitting removal in exceptional circumstances such as tree health decline or unavoidable development. Removal must be justified and compensated when carried out.