Following pressure form the Liberal Democrats, Haringey Council has acted to impose Tree Preservation Orders on a large number of much valued trees at the controversial Strathlene House site off Creighton Avenue.

The site, adjacent to Fortismere School, has been the subject of a controversial planning application in recent months, and bitter criticism from residents and local councillors over damage to the trees at the rear of the site.

When Liberal Democrats grew concerned about the fate of trees at the front of the site in recent weeks, they pressed Haringey Council for Tree Preservation Orders.

These were introduced by the Council’s Planning Committee last week, and give protection to six English oaks, one beech, one robinia, one sycamore, as well as a group of Scots pines.

Councillor Lynne Featherstone comments:

“I welcome the action to protect these trees. I visited the site recently and met local residents, and was extremely concerned about damage to surrounding trees.

“Many residents are understandably unaware that trees just outside the borough’s conservation areas are not protected unless they are subject to a Tree Preservation Order. I hope this serves as a useful reminder, and if people have concerns over the fate of local trees, they should contact the Lib Dems or the Council direct.”