Southampton City Council and Southampton International Airport Ltd have agreed a package of mitigation measures as part of the proposed tree management at South Stoneham Cemetery, enabling a licence to be granted that will allow works to begin.
Southampton Airport brought forward proposals to the council for works on trees within South Stoneham Cemetery in July following an audit by the Civil Aviation Authority which identified a number of trees that, for operational reasons, required felling or reductions.
Since then, Southampton Airport has been working with the council and local people to provide reassurance about how the works would take place in this very sensitive location and also how it would address the impacts of the works needed to ensure the ongoing safe operation of the airport.
After meeting with local people and working in partnership with the council, the Airport has agreed to:
- Fund the planting of 76 new trees to replace the 19 trees that need to be removed for operational reasons, including 31 new trees of appropriate species within South Stoneham Cemetery and 45 trees in the area around Bassett Green Road and Leaside way.
- Provide habitat enhancements within South Stoneham Cemetery, including a new wildlife corridor with native hedgerow planting along the northeast boundary of the cemetery, and native hedgerow, holly planting and installation of bat boxes along the eastern edge.
- Refurbish the Cemetery Chapel, Book of Remembrance room, Garden of Remembrance and Pond and Cemetery toilet block.
- Deliver improvements to the nearby allotment car park area, new taps and a new toilet.
The next step will be to formally approve the licence to enable the Airport to start the tree management and mitigation works in the coming weeks.
Signs will be displayed in South Stoneham Cemetery with details of working dates and times with the tree works being the first phase of work, followed by delivery of the agreed mitigation works.
Gavin Williams, Managing Director at Southampton Airport, said: “We’re grateful to the local community for taking the time to engage with us and share their views on the proposals.
"Working closely with the Council, we’ve agreed a comprehensive package of mitigation measures that not only address the safety requirements identified by the Civil Aviation Authority but also enhance the biodiversity and facilities in and around South Stoneham Cemetery.
"We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Council as we deliver these improvements.”
Councillor Sarah Bogle, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said: “I am very appreciative of the willingness of local people to engage with the Airport about the proposals for both the tree management and the considerable mitigation works that the Airport have agreed to provide and would like to thank everyone involved for their dedication to Southampton.
“Southampton Airport is a key local employer and service provider and the tree management plan together with the replacement planting, habitat enhancements and improvements to the Cemetery and allotments offers a balanced resolution which supports local businesses, communities and our green spaces.”