18 Sep 2026
County highways bosses are ploughing ahead with plans to chop down five mature sycamore trees as part of the Park Street roundabout works – despite earlier assurances that they would be saved.
When preparations began last year for the roundabout redevelopment – part of the planning requirements for the controversial rail freight depot on the former Radlett Aerodrome – Herts Highways proposed to destroy dozens of mature trees to accommodate the scheme.
Neighbours stressed how the trees and vegetation reduced noise, light and emissions pollution and provided a vital environment for local wildlife, and following intervention by county councillor Sandy Walkington, rail freight activist Andy Love and support from the St Albans Times, the trees at the bottom of St Julian’s Hill were saved.
Assurances were given at the time that no more trees on this part of the roundabout would be destroyed, but earlier this year HCC and rail freight developer SEGRO said a 70-80ft sycamore needed to be removed to accommodate the new filter lane, and the other remaining trees might also have to come down.
A petition to save the remaining sycamore trees at the bottom of St Julian’s Hill was launched by local resident Gill Holpin and received 100 signatures.
She explained: “I started the petition in the hope of standing up for the wellbeing of the trees and my lovely neighbours on my estate. This includes the many children and older generations, many who already have health conditions that need treatment. Removing any more trees is certainly not going to help those who already have health issues like asthma.”
Residents were informed that the future of the tree would be decided after a survey by an arborist and consultation with the roundabout designer, WSP, to see if the design of the new filter lane could be changed to preserve it.
But in September Herts Highways told Gill they were planning to pursue the destruction of all the trees.
An email sent by HCC said: “The council has received update on the tree removal investigation, including a report from an arboriculturist engaged by SEGRO’s principal contractor. The report confirms that the recommended tree root protection zone required to protect said trees from the planning-approved highway works extends into the realigned carriageway, with trial pits confirming the presence of key tap roots within the pavement construction at depths which would necessitate severing.
“We also sought a review from the scheme designer to check whether realignment of the Watling Street North carriageway is possible but have been unable to agree amendments clear of the tree root protection zones.
“We therefore agree with the findings of the report that the cutting of these roots to construct the works would likely result in the death of the trees and subsequently a future highway safety concern, and that the trees are to be removed.
“The council is currently waiting on is a plan from SEGRO to provide adequate replacement planting of equivalent value, including locations and species. The replacement may fall outside of the current works area if suitable placement cannot be found.”
Gill fumed: “It’s interesting the arborist employed by SEGRO has conveniently decided the trees cannot be saved which would conveniently remove the need to maintain these trees in the future!
“At no point have HCC representatives ever considered the wellbeing of the trees or the impact on residents living adjacent to the roundabout. The roughshod way that [SEGRO contractor] Galldris have excavated the trenches through the tree’s roots using a digger gives reason to think that the trees’ futures had already been decided before notice was given to local residents.
“If the contractors remove these trees the estate is completely exposed to the roundabout noise and air pollution. It would have been a refreshing change if for once residents’ wellbeing came before monetary concerns. How proud HCC would be if they saved these trees through careful, skilful work rather than the amateurish ‘bull in a China shop’ method used so far?”
Campaigner Andy Love, who fought to save the trees last year, said: “If the two tallest sycamore trees are removed this will impact badly on residents’ health and wellbeing given that they both help screen the Tithe Barn estate from the Park Street roundabout and also help me to absorb pollution generated from traffic.
“These threatened trees also protect the newly planted trees in the field adjacent to Park Street roundabout from severe weather.
“Local residents have funded and cared for these newly planted trees through the long hot summer so it would be devastating if they were lost because they are more exposed to cold easterly winds when the mature trees have been removed.
“I have asked SADC to install pollution monitoring equipment adjacent to the Park Street roundabout – this would be invaluable if limits are exceeded because the local planning authority has to impose measures to bring pollution levels within acceptable and defined limits.”
Rail freight developers SEGRO have refused to change their stance.
A spokesperson said: “Following concerns raised by local residents, SEGRO and its contractors undertook a further review of options to try and save a number of trees affected by the approved highway improvement works at Park Street roundabout.
“The review included additional arboricultural assessments and consideration of alternative design options. Having examined the findings, Hertfordshire County Council has decided that the approved works would compromise the long-term health and stability of the affected trees. Alternative design options were also found not to be feasible.
“As a result, Hertfordshire County Council has confirmed that the five affected trees will be removed as part of the works. We recognise that this will be disappointing for residents who value the contribution these trees make to the local area.
“STRABAG UK is continuing to work with Herts Highways and other relevant stakeholders on proposals for suitable replacement planting.
“Subject to any necessary surveys and approvals and to mitigate disruption to local residents, it is currently anticipated that the trees will be removed during one of the planned overnight road closures in the coming weeks.”
But HCC subsequently granted a temporary stay of execution until an independent arborist has surveyed all of the trees today (Friday), funded by donations by local residents.
Gill added: “We want to get a second opinion on the arborist report, which looked quite basic and not of the premium professional standard they give the impression it was.
“I’ve been told by another arborist that a scan ‘on the ground survey’ using thermal imagery would give a much clearer and better indication of how all the tree roots have been affected or damaged and how many are still in the ground. It would also take into consideration the size of the tree. It may just need a crown reduction to allow the roots to re-establish rather than being felled.
“These trees are important to our neighbourhood and would be a great gesture from all the companies involved in the SRFI to do more sophisticated tests or surveys to try to save them.”
