Wigan residents' anger after a new housing estate where trees were illegally chopped down is named The Acorns
There has been fresh outcry from neighbours of a Wigan housing construction site where trees were illegally cut down after they discovered what it will be called.
A council investigation continues into the breaching of tree preservation orders (TPOs) by the felling of trees off Pepper Lane, Standish, where 57 homes are being built by Persimmon.
Adding insult to injury now is the name of the new development – The Acorns – which locals feel is in poor taste given what happened recently.
The trees were removed despite maps showing they were protected on the greenfield land.
Persimmon blamed an error in a tree survey by a third-party company, adding that the council had said no further action would be taken.
But the local authority insists an inquiry is ongoing.
TPOs were put on trees on the site ahead of the planning application being decided.
Under law, anyone flouting one can land an unlimited court fine.
Neighbourhood forum Standish Voice awaits investigation’s outcome, but anger has now been rekindled by what is seen by some as the offensively ironic name for the estate.
A Standish Voice spokesperson said: “This really feels like a sick joke.
“Just a week after Persimmon Homes contractors illegally chopped down protected trees in Standish - generating huge outrage and dismay in our community - they name their new development… The Acorns
“There will certainly be far fewer acorns on those fields when Persimmon have finished with them.
“This site is next to a Green Corridor and Persimmon only forced this development through at appeal.
“They have not apologised for the destruction of those protected trees and when we saw that sign go up this week, it hit home how little regard Persimmon have for our environment and their double standards.
“Wigan Council is investigating but they need to stand up to developers who break the law and prosecute them - or it will only happen again.”
A Persimmon Homes North West spokesperson said: “ We understand the concerns raised by local residents following the removal of trees on the site and the naming of our new development. We would like to apologise for any upset this has caused.
“We will continue working closely with local stakeholders as the development progresses as we look to deliver much-need affordable homes for local people.”