TREE experts are going to have another look at a site in Kirton where residents have been deeply concerned over felling.Specimens in the overgrown garden of The Maltings in Trimley Road are not protected by tree preservation orders (TPOs), but villagers claim the site gives vital shelter and habitat for wildlife.

TREE experts are going to have another look at a site in Kirton where residents have been deeply concerned over felling.

Specimens in the overgrown garden of The Maltings in Trimley Road are not protected by tree preservation orders (TPOs), but villagers claim the site gives vital shelter and habitat for wildlife.

They believe the land, understood to be just over an acre, is being cleared ready for possible redevelopment with new homes - but feel work need not have taken place until permission was given.

Senior Suffolk Coastal planning officer Bob Chamberlain said there was very little the council could do to intervene.

“There are no TPOs, no planning application and no listing of any buildings on the site,” he said.

“We are having another look just to see what is there now some work has taken place and whether we should be doing something about any of the remaining trees.”

It was difficult for the council because it only had limited resources for TPO work and had to agree priorities.

Mr Chamberlain said the council was disappointed the site owners had taken action so far ahead of any possible planning application, but it was not unusual.

Resident Peter Ling said some very mature trees had been felled, including a copper beech, walnut and an ash.

“I think it is very sad that Suffolk Coastal are not pro-active in protecting our trees by identifying ones at risk and putting TPOs on them before they can be taken down like this,” he said.

Adam Gostling, speaking for the family who own the site, said work being carried out was essential maintenance to the garden.

Trees and hedges on the boundary of the property, the most impressive specimens on the site, were being retained. Before work started checks had been made with the council that no trees were covered by a TPO and the police wildlife liaison officer confirmed on site that works were entirely lawful.

What do you think of the work at The Maltings at Kirton? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk