The petition of residents of the United Kingdom,
Declares that the Darwin Oak, a 550-year-old oak tree, is threatened with felling by the proposed North West Relief Road scheme at Shrewsbury; further declares that the loss of large-canopy, open-grown trees like the Darwin Oak would amount to a significant loss of biodiversity and carbon sequestration capability; further that the proposed felling of hundreds of trees, including numerous veteran trees and the Darwin Oak, goes against the Government’s National Planning Policy Framework and the ‘Keepers of Time’ policy; and further that the proposed felling of trees would lead to a huge loss of green space used for exercise and the well-being of Shrewsbury residents.
The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Government to work with Shropshire Council to safeguard the Darwin Oak tree as part of the North West Relief Road scheme and ensure its preservation for future generations.
And the petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Julia Buckley, Official Report, 8 October 2024; Vol. 754, c. 276.]
[P003010]
Observations from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Lilian Greenwood):
I note your concerns regarding the Darwin Oak and the role it plays for the environment, as well as the community, and the possible impact that the road scheme may have on it.
This scheme is promoted by Shropshire county council, and it has the responsibility for addressing environmental risk and mitigations, as well as maximising the growth and transport benefits of the scheme.
The Department’s role is to agree funding, subject to a business case provided by the local authority. Our review of that case is required before a decision is reached and the Department will address all aspects of value for money, including environmental impacts, before reaching a decision.
All capital spend, including this scheme, is subject to a Department for Transport capital review and the cross-Government spending review.
For reference, please see the links below, with further information: