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For the sake of our health we must save these trees
• ISLINGTON Council is considering a planning application for the redevelopment of the Guardian newspaper site in Farringdon Road. This includes the felling of 10 healthy plane trees at the front of the building, the only significant trees along this busy, noisy, polluted thoroughfare.
The trees provide shade and cooling, help reduce noise and CO2 emissions and lessen flood risk by soaking up surface water. The mental, as well as physical, health benefits of city trees are increasingly recognised, providing a soothing environment and reducing air pollution. It’s estimated that upwards of 1,000 deaths a year in London result from exhaust fumes. Loss of amenity for the area’s residents and workers would be considerable if the trees were cut down.
Opposition to the loss of the trees is widespread and growing. London’s mayor is aware of the situation.
Council leader Councillor James Kempton tells residents, in his introduction to the current borough-wide consultation, “Your neighbourhood, your Islington”, that he, like us, wants “to make Islington a better place for everyone” and “push the boundaries by demanding high environmental standards from all developments”. No mention is made of the role of trees.
A south area planning sub-committee will have to grant permission for the current application to redevelop the Guardian site. This could take place towards the end of this year. Readers who wish to help save the trees might like to check for the date and attend. The size of the turnout would speak for itself.
HARRIETTE ASHCROFT AND MEG HOWARTH
Ellington Street, N7
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