Controversy at Deer Park development in Carlisle after trees 'discovered'

The scheme to build the homes on Deer Park in Carlisle has attracted some local objections ever since its initial planning application.

And after some further investigative work from local resident Carol Black, it looks as though the controversy may continue.

Carol identified two unique trees on site over two years ago, and after a long-standing undertaking, with the help of Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Gardens and Kew Gardens, Carol identified the two trees as rare cut-leafed hornbeams.

These trees can live up to 500 years and there is only two remaining in Scotland.

"I had seen this tree for quite some time, I could see straight away it was something really different and interesting," she said.

RARE: Distinguished leafs on the Cut Leafed Hornbeams.

The trees had gone unnoticed in Gleeson’s original environmental report and would have been cut down.

But since Carol identified the specimens, Carlisle City Council has issued a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) on site.

"I just feel it would be dreadful to see these beautiful trees go. People should know what a struggle it was to get TPO on the trees in the first place and that Gleeson’s original survey was totally inadequate.

"There’s fault on both the council and Gleeson, they both should have realised they were dealing with something unusual," she said.

All of the other trees surrounding the hornbeams have been cut down, which raises further fears that the protection of the rare specimens may be compromised.

Green Party Councillor Helen Davison, who has been assisting Carol in her efforts in saving the trees, said it’s 'devasting' to see Gleeson 'walk all over' residents trying to 'protect a precious environment' right next to the city’s nature reserve.

"I’m really hoping the council will do the right thing and keep them protected, because there is scope for trees with TPO’s on them to still be cut down to help facilitate development project - we should be protecting our natural heritage along with the history of the field," she said.

A spokesperson from Carlisle City Council said: “The formal consultation on the TPO has ended, however the current TPO is in place for six months and doesn’t expire for a further three months.

“When it expires, we will take a decision on whether it is continued, we will consider the comments received during the consultation period,” they said.

CONTROVERSY: Artist's impression of the homes at Deer Park.

In response to the current situation, a spokesperson from Gleeson said from the very beginning, they have worked continuously and closely with Carlisle City Council prior to commencing development on site.

"Our design of the site maximises the retention of protected trees on site and provides large areas of public open space and large gardens for customers.

"The Council recently asked us whether we could look to retain two additional trees.

"One is unfortunately right in the middle of the road that will serve the development and it is not practical or viable to retain that additional tree.

"We can however retain the second tree and we have included its retention in our updated plans that have been shared with Carlisle City Council," they said.

The developer has since amended their original plan to provide 100 homes on the site, tailoring it to 80 homes, with hopes of delivering a more 'sensitive scheme'.

"We have had many local people contact us looking to get on the housing ladder and they appreciate the design of the site and our commitment to retaining the orchids that exists on the site," they said.

The homes will be going on sale from next month.