Dear Cllr R Robertson,
Thank you for your project application idea, the project concept would contribute towards improving local green assets and biodiversity. Following Officer advice this project was considered by the Executive Councillor for Openspaces and City Services unfortunately this Strategic project was not approved. The key reasons for this were that the EIP programme was oversubscribed and to install trees in heavily urbanised streets with many competing spatial needs and environmental pressures makes it difficult to establish them and would likely require engineered tree pits and £10k for example would likely be fully taken through the establishment 1 tree location. The EIP funding pot isn't suited to the substantial investment required to make a real difference to this type of urban environment, (with little or no verges) in regard to the establishment of trees to make noticeable / impactful improvements.
Regards
Trees needed in barren streets
From "Environmental Improvement Programme 2023-24: New bidding round"
Go to the project
Trees reduce the 'Greenhouse' effect by removing carbon dioxide from the air and releasing oxygen. Each year a mature tree produces enough oxygen for 10 people. They form the natural habitat of many animals, birds and insects. Trees are also an effective sound barrier and can limit noise pollution. Research studies show that trees also help reduce the stress of modern life.
Cambridge has several hundred thousand trees but many roads in the densely populated streets of north Petersfield have no trees in sight - just cars, road and houses.
It is proposed to plant some trees in these barren streets. They would be in the road itself and therefore costly because of the need to provide a large area underground for the tree roots to grow in and avoiding utilities. Locations appropriate for planting a tree will also be limited because of the existing shortage of space for residents’ parking. However much of this area is about to be provided with a residents’ parking scheme and there should be opportunities to find space for some trees in a project run in parallel with that parking scheme.
Official updates
Last update: 19 January 2024
Posted on 19 January 2024
Comments(16)
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Profile of Emily Jefferies
Posted by:Emily Jefferies
3 years ago
Whilst additional tree cover in Cambridge is welcomed, how will the risk of subsidence on nearby houses be assessed?
Profile of Elizabeth Sheldrick
Posted by:Elizabeth Sheldrick
3 years ago
This is a good proposal, it should be prioritised to plant trees in streets with none over planting them in streets that already have plenty.
Profile of Joseph Ulanowski
Posted by:Joseph Ulanowski
3 years ago
I fully support this proposal, it could transform a very dull neighbourhood - compare it to parts of Romsey, where space was found for a few trees in equally narrow streets. Each tree could be combined with a couple of bike racks, which are also badly needed in these streets.
Profile of Mary Geddes
Posted by:Mary Geddes
3 years ago
I really support this proposal. Difficult to find spaces for trees, but it could also be more shrubs. There are double yellow lines outside my front yard. which are only there for me. I would be happy to relinquish this 5 metre-long strip for planting (and would happily take care of it).
Profile of Simon Nuttall
Posted by:Simon Nuttall
3 years ago
I strongly support this proposal, it brings colour and life back to the street.
There are a few trees at the junction of Thoday Street and St. Philip's Road and it makes that area feel so much more alive.
The rest of the street has a grey, metal, glass and brick feel to it and is virtually devoid of life.
There are many households on these streets that are car-free, why should they have to put up with other people's cars or worse second cars or even motor-homes parked in front of their houses?
Profile of Tina Riches
Posted by:Tina Riches
3 years ago
More trees and cyle parking near shops would be great.
In addition, for similar reasons given for more trees, I don't think you should be permitting developers to remove mature trees such as on the plans for the Travis Permins site, where the developer wants to remove most of the existing mature trees on Devonshire Road.
Profile of Tina Riches
Posted by:Tina Riches
3 years ago
@Tina Riches 'Perkins' not 'Permins' - whoops!
Profile of David Stoughton
Posted by:David Stoughton
3 years ago
This is badly needed in some areas of Cambridge which are almost devoid of trees and it contributes to broader environmental objectives. I entirely support it.
Profile of JV NEAL
Posted by:JV NEAL
3 years ago
Strongly support. Most cars just sit on the street. Replace ordinary car parking spaces with (a) trees and other planting, (b) brief visitor/medical/delivery/dropoff spaces, (c) car-club spaces, (d) cycle parking provision, (e) bin storage spaces (fit 10 bins in the space of one stationary car), (f) benches/tables for socialising. All of these would be of significant social and community value for all residents.
Profile of Graham West
Posted by:Graham West
3 years ago
Many car owners are also cycle users and cars are a vital and necessary resource for many residents. If you want more space for cycle parking and trees that also removes much needed parking then you need to get local buy-in from the residents for such a change. I actually support this proposal in principle but not when it gets taken over by the cycling lobby. This is about trees not cycle parking!
Profile of Martin L-S
Posted by:Martin L-S
3 years ago
@Graham West I am a local resident! It's not a question of 'more space for cycle parking' - it's about any space at all. There is zero cycle parking at all at present, except for one spot for the Blue. The point is that it would be straightforward to add cycle parking next to the trees when they are added. Probably wouldn't take up any extra space at all given that you need a little space either side of the tree anyway for the root enclosure.
Profile of Graham West
Posted by:Graham West
3 years ago
@Martin L-S This worthy proposal is simply about tree planting and improving tree cover in the area to provide better amenity for local residents - it has nothing to do with cycle parking whatsoever. Once again the cycling lobby are trying to hijack a proposal on the ridiculous assertion that other local residents do not need their vehicles or car parking spaces.
Profile of . Wookey
Posted by:. Wookey
3 years ago
And put some cycle-parking in too, either next to the trees or elsewhere. Having the whole public realm used for car storage is wrong. Half the residents don't have one.