Green Councillors Mark Hood & Stacey Pilgrim Fight to Protect Tonbridge’s Trees and Heritage

The Tonbridge & Malling Green Party has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to protecting both the environment and the community, this time in response to the controversial tree felling on The Fosse. Judd Ward councillors Mark Hood and Stacey Pilgrim have been at the forefront of efforts to address residents’ concerns, working tirelessly to ensure that local voices are heard and that the borough council takes appropriate action.

The issue began in October 2023, when Cllrs Hood and Pilgrim first raised concerns about construction works encroaching on The Fosse, a Scheduled Ancient Monument. They voted against the development application due to its detrimental impact on the area’s trees. While the management plan was later amended to coppice rather than remove the trees entirely, the councillors have continued to push for stricter enforcement of biodiversity protections.

A Community Outcry

Residents in The Slade were shocked when heavy machinery arrived unannounced to remove trees from The Fosse, leaving behind a stark landscape and a devastated ecosystem. Local resident Dane Whitehurst described the scene as a “visual eyesore” and a “devastating blow to a once-thriving ecosystem.” In response, the community launched a petition demanding accountability and action.

Cllrs Hood and Pilgrim have been working closely with the borough council to investigate the situation. They have passed all relevant correspondence to council officers, who are now conducting an enforcement investigation. The developers, Churchill, have halted work pending an agreement with the council, but the damage has already sparked widespread outrage.

Balancing Heritage & Nature

The tree removal was part of a planning condition tied to the development of adjacent flats, with Historic England advocating for the restoration of The Fosse to its original condition. However, the Green Party has consistently argued that this should not come at the expense of the area’s biodiversity.

When the application came before the planning committee in June 2023, all Green councillors present voted against it, citing the irreversible harm to the trees. Unfortunately, they were outvoted by other committee members. Since then, Cllrs Hood and Pilgrim have worked with officers to ensure that the remaining trees and coppiced areas are managed as responsibly as possible.

A Commitment to Tonbridge

This situation is a prime example of how the Tonbridge & Malling Green Party is showing up, not just during elections. From protecting green spaces to advocating for better transport, housing, and community services, Green councillors are dedicated to addressing the issues that matter most to residents.

Cllr Mark Hood said, “We understand the importance of preserving our heritage, but not at the cost of our environment. We’ve been working hard to find a balance, but the reality is that the planning committee’s decision has left us with limited options. Our focus now is on ensuring that the remaining trees are protected and that the area is managed responsibly.”

Cllr Stacey Pilgrim added, “The community’s response has been incredible. It’s a reminder of how much people care about our green spaces. We’ll continue to fight for what’s best for Tonbridge, whether that’s protecting trees, improving public transport, or supporting local businesses.”

Looking Ahead

While the tree felling on The Fosse is a setback, the Green Party remains committed to finding solutions that benefit both the environment and the community. This includes pushing for the retention of at least three significant trees—an oak and two limes—and ensuring that any future saplings are allowed to grow into a layered woodland structure.

The Tonbridge & Malling Green Party’s dedication to local issues goes beyond the environment. With policies on transport, housing, education, and business, Green councillors are working to create a fairer, greener, and more sustainable future for everyone in the borough.

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