A Highgate Lib Dem councillor is calling for urgent action to protect distinguished oak trees at a sensitive Archway site facing a housing development.

Lib Dem councillor Bob Hare has said that Tree Protection Orders (TPOs) are needed at the Tile Kiln Lane site to prevent more loss of trees if further plans are brought forward for buildings on the narrow ‘backland’ site alongside the Archway Road. The branch spread of one of the trees lies above yet more land being marketed as a development opportunity.

The site has been the scene of controversy in recent months, following the granting of permission for a housing development along the lane. Another Highgate councillor and Lib Dem group leader, Neil Williams, argued to the planning committee that the site was too small for such a housing development and expressed surprise at the swift removal by developers of a large Turkey Oak tree. While the oak tree had been found to have been diseased, it was removed the day after a site visit by councillors.

Cllr Hare has asked for TPOs on the following trees:

(1) The oak tree which is at the south end of the waterboard cottage site (about to be developed) and close to the substation (site about to be sold, development possible);

(2) The oak tree on the Thames Water land on the east side and very close to the boundary wall of Tile Kiln Lane.

Cllr Hare comments:

“We need these orders as local residents in the area have worked very hard with us to try to protect the unique character of this site – and they will undoubtedly be dismayed at the possibility of losing further trees. I have asked Haringey Council to consider preservation orders so that developers know they will have to work with the existing level of tree cover. We don’t want to find that the trees are damaged and their life expectancy reduced.”