Neighbourhood concern over college’s hedge removal

NEIGHBOURS of Fairfield Farm College in Dilton Marsh are concerned about the current works ongoing to extend the car park, saying that hedges and trees have been removed at the wrong time of year. 

The college is currently extending its car park by an additional six bays, to alleviate pressure on customer parking. 

Whilst works took place to construct the new bays, it highlighted a number of issues. For example, the hedgerow’s roots were growing into the drainage pipes below and this led them to have to be removed.

However, residents are upset that they were not informed of this removal or consulted and have been in contact with Wiltshire Council to assess whether this work was given permission due to the time of year in which the hedges were removed. 

One neighbour said, “They have taken away the hedge at the wrong time of year. It’s all a bit arrogant really – do things and then tell the neighbours. They have a moral duty to inform and consult the neighbours before work is to be carried out.”

However, now that the emergency pipe work has been completed, the college has replanted the removed hedgerow. 

“They have replanted the hedge yes, but with sapling conifers” another neighbour said, “This type of tree is not good for this kind of community and it grows quickly and isn’t good for insects.”

The college issued the following statement in response to the residents’ concerns. 

“The current works highlighted a number of issues, largely caused by roots from the former hedgerow, which was in a poor condition and in need of attention. The roots had grown into pipework, hence the removal of hedgerow and replacement of pipework as an emergency measure. The serious concern was the impact this underground damage would have on the drainage of waste water.

“Once these emergency works are complete, the grass parking area will maintain the green spaces and also be in keeping with the previous hedges and land, in response to residents’ requests. New wooden fencing is currently being installed and the hedgerow will be replanted. Soil and new grass seed is also being laid.

“The community is aware that the council approved plans for an indoor sports arena and additional parking in 2017, we are currently working hard to raise funds for this new college and community facility.

“Finally, the trees at the front of the farmhouse are overgrown and we have recently been informed by Southern Electric that the branches had dangerously grown around the overhead cables. Southern Electric have informed us that they will be working on the trees to make them safe for the community, to ensure no disruption to services. Any further information from SSE will be posted on the website and social media.

“We apologise for any disruption and upset to the community, we pride ourselves on our work with the community and try to communicate through notices in the café/shop, on our website and social media. If there are any further questions, do pop in and speak to us or email us on               consult@ffc.ac.uk.”