A community event on Saturday 1st July 2023 at Poynton Pool is expected to draw large numbers of local residents who are concerned about Cheshire East Council’s plans to destroy more than a hectare of beautiful woodland at the beloved nature spot.
More than 80 mature trees which run along more than half a kilometre of Poynton Pool have been earmarked for possible destruction.
The event is being organised by the ‘Friends of Poynton Pool’ Group and is taking place at Poynton Park, South Park Drive, Poynton, from 2pm-4pm. The event will include a children’s drawing competition which will be judged by new Poynton Town Mayor Patrick Bailey, along with informative discussions with ornithological and environmental experts, as well as local historians who will provide background to Poynton Pool, Poynton Towers and the ornamental lake. Everyone is welcome to bring a picnic and enjoy the beautiful surroundings while they still can.
The event is being held to continue to raise awareness and take action to prevent the proposal by Cheshire East Council (“CEC”) to destroy more than half a kilometre of trees alongside the B5092 (previously the A523) London Road North boundary of Poynton Park.
The controversial proposal by CEC has been met with forceful opposition by local residents, and the Friends of Poynton Pool Group has garnered a following of 1k on Facebook. Crowdfunding is underway to help raise awareness of the plans and support a judicial review, and a petition has gathered nearly 2.5k signatures. A public meeting is also planned for Monday 3rd July at the Legion in Poynton.
The decision to fell the trees, some of which date back to the 1700s when the landscaping around the lake was completed, has arisen due to an inspection in 2016 that assesses the Pool’s resilience against a 1 in 10,000-year flood event (part of the 1975 Reservoirs Act). The Group has interrogated reports provided via FOIs and is challenging CEC as the proposed planning is based on inaccurate figures, missing data, and assumptions, which means the work is in fact not mandatory as it is being maintained by CEC.
The value of the trees, which have been valued at £3m using the prescribed CAVAT method, has not been adequately considered by CEC and not included in the planning costs, which have already more than doubled to in excess of £1.38m.
If the works are proven to be needed, felling the trees is the most environmentally damaging option that CEC has favoured. The local community and local Council continue to call for CEC to adopt a less environmentally destructive alternative so that flood resilience can be managed whilst protecting the very special landscape of Poynton Pool. Despite this, CEC is expected to submit their planning application in early July 2023.
David Massingham, local resident and member of Friends of Poynton Pool said: “We are looking forward to the event on 1st July and the opportunity it provides for everyone to learn more about the history and environmental importance of Poynton Pool. The event will also give us a chance to further raise awareness about CEC’s destructive plans.
“We are keen to continue to engage with CEC and challenge them to update the data they are using, as well as identify a less intrusive and environmentally damaging alternative, whilst retaining the safety and aesthetics of the Pool prior to the submission of any planning applications.”
