11 Oct 2023
Neighbours of the proposed rail freight site are furious after a 100-year-old oak tree was chopped down by contractors working at the former Radlett airfield.
Frogmore residents say the tree, which shielded their view of the site, was cut down with no warning and no consultation. And they say contractors employed by developer Segro were set to chop down more trees behind their homes in Hampden Place until residents pleaded with them to stop.
“It’s heart-breaking,” said Tash Alexander, who has lived in Hampden Place for three years. “The tree was lovely, home to birds and squirrels and offered a barrier between us and the ground works going on at the site. But now it’s gone and instead of looking out at a beautiful oak tree we now have an uninterrupted view of a building site and green hoarding fences.”
Residents believe the tree was chopped down after a neighbour asked for an overhanging branch to be cut back.
“There’s a huge difference between lopping off one branch and chopping down a whole tree,” said resident Susie Taylor. “They also chopped down a couple of smaller trees behind our homes and were set to continue until we begged them to stop. It’s corporate vandalism and shows no consideration for people who have to live here.”
St Albans MP Daisy Cooper has promised to support residents and set up a liaison group so the developers can explain the works schedule with residents and discuss their concerns.
Work is continuing on the site even though a Judicial Review could block it should the judge agree that the site should remain as permanent open space. Campaign group Save St Albans: Fight the Freight have submitted evidence that they say supports their argument that the site should not be developed.
Segro has been contacted for comment.
