A GROUP of Tadley residents have launched a campaign to save local areas of natural beauty.

Outline Planning Permission is being considered for a parcel of land to be developed for "up to 90" affordable homes on a site leading off of a quiet cul-de-sac of just twelve houses at Deanswood Road in the west of the town.

At a Tadley Town Council Planning meeting on Monday, July 26, local residents turned out in force to voice their protests to local town councillors and to ensure the borough councillors were informed about the opposition to the scheme, which is proposed on land belonging to Bishopswood Golf Course , between Tadley and Baughurst.

Residents say their quiet residential close would be totally transformed by the development, and there are also concerns about the environmental impact, with flooding, loss of wildlife habitat, loss of protected trees and noise and increase in traffic the top concerns.

Residents presented these concerns, also highlighting the pressure on local schools, GPs and leisure facilities.

Meanwhile, in the same area of the town, there has been a campaign to apply for Tree Preservation Orders on a variety of mature trees after the removal of 10 trees in the space of nine months.

A successful campaign in late 2020 saved a mature oak from destruction at New Road in the town, but since then, more trees have been felled.

Residents Andrew Abbott and Carol Monaghan have applied to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council to have other trees protected, particularly historic oaks on Guttridge Lane, but say that so far all of their attempts have been rejected.

Carol told the Gazette: "The council has declared a Climate Emergency, yet sees fit to permit the felling of trees at the 'request' of insurance companies.

"At this time of environmental and climate emergency, we need to do all we can to protect the trees we have, and to work for the benefit of all our residents, protecting the natural environment for all in the future.”

Residents are calling on the council to save the remaining oaks, and have asked for more open discussion when it comes to the local environment.

Their petition has so far gained more than 500 signatures and can be found at: http://chng.it/hNCzxz8s

Carol added that residents concerned about both issues “will be working closely together to protect the endangered town environment".

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has been contacted for comment.