A retiree has been left dismayed by the 'brutal' way mature trees were suddenly cut down around a healthcare centre in Coxheath, Kent. Peter Colmer, 77, of Bramley Gardens, said the 'brutal and blatant' removal took place in the middle of the no-tree and hedge-cutting season, which is designed to protect nesting wildlife. The contractor reduced 10-metre trees to just two metres, leaving the area looking like 'a war zone', according to Mr Colmer.
No notice given, says resident
Peter Colmer said no notice was given before the work began. 'This decimation has completely changed the nature of the road far more than any effect from seeing innocuous solar panels,' he said. The sudden removal comes after homeowners received a notice about the intention to install solar panels on the roof of The Heathside Centre in Heath Road, Coxheath. However, a spokesperson for the Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust said the tree work was not related to the solar panel installation but had been carried out after advice about 'overhanging vegetation' impacting the 'public highway'.
Concerns over nesting birds and safety
Peter expressed his frustration: 'These large trees have been savaged right in the middle of bird nesting season and clearly nobody cares. I am surprised the contractor took on the job bearing in mind those restrictions.' He also noted that the fence, previously barely visible, is now at a 'jaunty angle', likely because the trees were holding it up. 'I think any kind of gale would probably see it at least partly on the ground. We will now be exposed to the glare of external and internal bright lights which are on for no apparent reason 24/7. It looks like a war zone out there,' he added.
Kent County Council not responsible
Nearby Coxheath Library was unaffected by the work. A Kent County Council (KCC) spokesperson confirmed: 'We are only responsible for the vegetation around the library, which has not been impacted by the works.' The council clarified that the tree removal was not carried out by the authority.
NHS Trust responds
The Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust acknowledged the concerns raised by residents. A spokesperson said: 'The work at Heathside Centre was not related to the installation of solar panels. It was carried out following advice about overhanging vegetation affecting the public highway and recommendations from an independent tree survey. We are committed to maintaining a safe environment for patients, staff, visitors and the wider community, while continuing to balance this with our environmental responsibilities.'
Hedgerow management rules explained
According to the government website, hedgerow management rules prohibit cutting or trimming a hedgerow from March 1 to August. The rules apply to hedgerows over 20 metres long with gaps of 20 metres or less, or shorter hedgerows that meet another at each end. However, exemptions exist if the hedgerow overhangs a road or footpath with a public or private right of way, obstructs pedestrians, or poses a danger. In this case, the trust cited the overhanging vegetation affecting the public highway as justification for the work.
