Sheffield man awaits ruling on attempt to stop tree-felling plan

Judge Mr Justice Gilbart agreed to lift an injunction on the council during a High Court hearing yesterday.

He also finished hearing evidence in the case brought by Sheffield resident Dave Dillner who is trying to force the council into a re-think but did not immediately give a ruling.

Simon Green, Sheffield City Council’s executive director for place, said: “We are delighted that the court has agreed with the council’s case to have the tree injunction lifted.

“However, we have been clear throughout that we want to make sure that our work with communities on this issue is right, so we will not resume the full street tree replacement programme until we have had the court’s final decision. We will of course continue to assess our trees and replace those that are dangerous.”

The tree-felling programme ispart of a £2bn to improve the maintainence of Sheffield’s roads.

The council argues the programme is essential if Sheffield’s 36,000 street trees are to be managed for future generations. It says trees scheduled for felling are dying or diseased or pose dangers.

But the cutting down of trees has provoked a backlash from residents and Sheffield Hallam MP Nick Clegg recently described it as a ‘’national scandal’’.

After a series of protests by residents, the council set up an independent panel to review the tree-felling proposals.

Residents in streets where felling is to take place can register their objections and where more than half of households express concerns the independent panel is asked to judge whether they should be allowed to go ahead or changed.