Overview

• Cabinet granted Southampton Airport a licence to fell 19 mature trees and prune 10 more at South Stoneham Cemetery after the CAA flagged them as hazards that imposed weight restrictions on flights.
• A Savills report commissioned by the airport estimates the removals could unlock about 1,050 local jobs and generate £75 million in annual gross value added through expanded connectivity.
• Transition Southampton and allied groups criticised the process for lacking public consultation and warned of the ecological and commemorative loss at a cemetery that contains Commonwealth war graves and notable burials.
• Councillors also approved a revision to the council’s tree policy making future applications for tree works on council land an executive decision by cabinet or officers.
• As conditions of approval, the airport must deliver a mitigation package including four-to-one tree replacement, a wildflower meadow, chapel refurbishment and community amenities.