Street Trees Consultation
Queenstown Road (Completed)
The consultation period has now ended.
The Council received 37 responses to this consultation. Of these, 35 respondents expressed concerns about the proposed removal of trees, with many highlighting the environmental value of the existing trees and their desire to see them retained. The remaining respondents were generally supportive of the overall scheme and welcomed the planned replanting of new trees.
We would like to thank all those who took the time to share their views. Every response has been carefully considered as part of the decision-making process.
Following this review, the Council has decided to proceed with the removal of six trees as proposed. This will enable the delivery of significant improvements to cycling and walking infrastructure along Queenstown Road - an important active travel corridor in Wandsworth. These active travel changes are part of a wider set of measures designed to enhance safety, accessibility, and air quality along the route. In 2021, the Council carried out a public consultation on the overall scheme, which received strong support - including for the upgraded cycle lanes. You can read more about the improvements to Queenstown Road on the Council website.
In response to concerns raised, we want to reassure residents that tree planting remains a key priority. As part of this scheme, nine new trees will be planted along Queenstown Road between Chelsea Bridge and the Sopwith Way junction - resulting in a net gain of three trees in this area. Additionally, under our borough-wide sustainable tree planting programme, we will be planting 1,000 new trees this season in suitable locations to support long-term environmental benefits.
Location of trees: Queenstown Road (opposite Battersea Park)
How many trees are affected: 6
Species:
Tree 1 - Norway Maple
Tree 2 - Norway Maple
Tree 3 - London Plane
Tree 4 - Norway Maple
Tree 5 - Field Maple
Tree 6 - Lime
Why we propose to fell these trees: To widen the cycling pathway as part of the Queenstown Road Corridor Scheme.
Information about the proposal
It is proposed to remove these six trees as part of a scheme to improve the Queenstown Road corridor. Queenstown Road is an important route for cyclists in Wandsworth, and a continuous and uninterrupted cycling pathway will make it easier for cyclists to use.
The scheme has aimed to keep as many existing trees as possible, however, space limitations posed by the eastern fence of Battersea Park means that the removal of some trees is required.
Alternative options, such as adjusting the cycle path and implementing root protection measures, were considered. However, due to space limitations and the need to ensure a safe, continuous cycle route, these alternatives are not feasible.
Findings from the tree inspection
The trees have recently been inspected by a tree officer and are considered to be in good health. All six trees are estimated to have a life expectancy of over 40 years. Assessment of the trees estimate that they have a combined value of £95,000.
Please note that the valuation of the trees was calculated using the Capital Asset Value for Amenity Trees (CAVAT) method.
Information about replanting proposals
It is proposed to plant nine new trees, resulting in a net increase of three trees along this route. To match the existing streetscape in the area, the new trees will likely be London Planes. It is proposed that most of the new trees will be planted between Chelsea Bridge and Sopwith Way.
Additionally, as a part of our sustainable tree planting programme, we will be planting 1,000 trees this planting season in suitable locations across the borough for future growth.