Outrage over sudden axing of 'protected' Dartmoor sycamore tree

Locals on Dartmoor are outraged at the sudden axing of a 'magnificent' sycamore tree standing on the site a controversial development - despite a plan in place to protect it. People in Ashburton noticed branch-cutting activity around the mature landmark on the Dolbeare Meadow development on Monday.

The 15m tree, thought to be 30 years old, was reduced to a stump. The felling has happened despite a tree protection plan having been agreed.

Locals say they are "incensed" by the tree's removal. The town council says it is "very upset" and Dartmoor National Park Authority has launched an investigation into why it has happened. A statement from the planning authority says it is "saddened" by the felling of the sycamore tree.

"The importance of retaining this mature tree was recognised in recent planning decisions for this site through the authority’s approval and conditioning of a Tree Protection Plan and Arboricultural Method Statement.

"The Tree Protection Plan identifies those trees to be retained and what tree protection measures are required during development of the site. In this case, the tree that has been felled was the focus of a range of measures, including protective fencing, a ‘construction exclusion zone’ and a ‘special protection area’.

"The authority did not provide authorisation for this tree to be taken down and has launched an investigation to identify why it happened."

The Dolbeare site has a long and controversial planning history. There were plans in the past for a Premier Inn and Starbucks is thought to be interested in the drive-thru, which is close to the A38 on the entry into town. Supporters say it will bring much-needed jobs to the area.

Planning consent was agreed last year for a hybrid business and EV charging park. The tree stood near a new access road into the development. It did not have a Tree Preservation Order but did have a range of other protections put in place during the planning process.

Local resident Mark Laughton said: "There is a huge outcry from the Ashburton town people as to why this healthy sycamore tree was completely cut down. Also, why there needs to be two entrances to the business park, where surely the police admin building could share."

Another local said she was "incensed" at the "horrendous" felling. One person said: "So ironic - a beautiful old tree that absorbs so much co2 has been cut down to provide another electric vehicle charging station."

Jacqui Bartram, clerk at Ashburton Town Council said: "The town council is concerned and very upset to see the loss of this magnificent tree.

"We had been assured the tree would not be felled. People are appalled and it appears to have happened out of the blue and against the planning decisions."

DevonLive has contacted developers for a response.