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Planning inquiry held over tree row
A two-day public inquiry will be held after a school appealed against a decision preventing it from building a new entrance because trees would have to be felled.
Wellingborough Council turned down plans by Wellingborough School to create the entrance to its site from London Road last August.
Three mature lime trees and 46m of hedgerow would have to be removed to make way for the entrance.
The school appealed to the Secretary of State and now a date for the inquiry has been set for May 5.
The school's plans would mean its existing entrance in Irthlingborough Road would be used by service vehicles to ease traffic congestion in the road.
School spokesman Mike Skidmore said in visits by the Independent School Inspectorate, concerns had been raised about the possibility of an accident.
He said: "The street scene is important but we don't believe it will be adversely affected. The key issue is health and safety, and we think it is critical to separate traffic and pupils."
But Wellingborough Civic Society says the avenue of trees must be preserved.
Chairman Judith Thompson said: "Wellingborough School has a long history and should appreciate the town has history, too.
"The Walks are of upmost importance in the history of the town, having been planted with lime trees from the town to the River Nene in Victorian times.
"It would leave an awful expanse with nothing in it.
"How long has the school been there? There's no evidence of any accidents.
"The school owns land on the Embankment so perhaps they could consider coming in from this side as it would cause less traffic chaos.
"It is going to cost money doing this through a public inquiry. But we are hopeful the decision will be upheld."
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Monday 13 February 2012
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