Bucks Council investigating Bourne End woodland ‘chainsaw massacre’

Buckinghamshire Council is investigating the felling of trees at a protected woodland site in Bourne End which was dubbed a ‘chainsaw massacre’ by residents.

Approval for maintenance at Fieldhead Gardens woodland, which included the felling of certain trees, had been granted to applicant MMDM Developments in November 2022.

However, concerns were raised by councillors and residents that works had been carried beyond permitted terms when contractors started work early this year.

The site has been the subject of repeated planning applications and proposals for three homes on the land were submitted in October. 

Councillor for Bourne End and Wooburn, Stuart Wilson (Independent) discussed the tree felling.

“It was obvious something was going to happen because signs went up on some of the trees," he said.

“Within a matter of days the contactors were in with heavy machinery, which they weren’t allowed to do, and I felt the works were being conducted outside of what was permitted.”

Cllr Wilson advised he had reported a potential permit breach to the council.

The latest planning application for three homes received scores of objections from residents who also set up a website which advocated for planning refusal and described the tree incident as a 'chainsaw massacre'.

Buckinghamshire Council rejected the application in late November citing ‘partial loss and fragmentation of a protected woodland’.

Fellow independent councillor for the ward, Penny Drayton, echoed Cllr Wilson’s concerns.  

She said: “They [the developers] have gone around it in a very inappropriate way, it's designated green space.

“It’s ruffled a lot of feathers because people are obviously very passionate about the green space and the developers are obviously charging in regardless.”

The Fieldhead Gardens site is designated as a green space in both the Wycombe Local Plan and Bourne End and Wooburn Green Local Plan.

Several of the trees also have Tree Protection Orders applied to them, preventing their removal.

Cllr Wilson said the woodland at Fieldhead Gardens needed protection, in consideration of other developments in the area such as the Slate Meadow housing development.

He said: “Relative to all the other developments going on in the area we do really need to look after our green space.

“[The Bourne End and Wooburn Local Plan] identified a relative lack of green space across the area so it’s really important that we don’t exacerbate the situation with unwanted and unwarranted development.”

Bucks council has confirmed an investigation into a potential breach of the tree maintenance permit was underway.

Council cabinet member for planning and regeneration, councillor Peter Strachan said: 

“The council is investigating this matter as an alleged breach of planning control and is in the process of considering what, if any, further action is required. 

“Consent was granted for some works to trees and some felling to take place and the council is investigating if the works have gone beyond the scope of the existing permission.”

MMDM Developments was approached for comment.