Southampton Airport makes fresh bid to fell Marlhill trees

AXO, the environmental group fighting plans to extend the airport's 5,653ft runway, has warned that the 16-acre Marlhill Copse is once again under threat.

The wooded area off Mansbridge Road, Southampton, is directly below the flightpath.

The airport's website says it bought the copse in 2018 so it could carry out tree management work "to protect aircraft operating in the area".

Proposals to chop down almost 120 trees were rejected by the city council earlier this year.

Some of the residents attending a meeting of the planning and rights of way panel spoke in favour of the proposed felling but others raised concerns.

Objector Angela Cotton said: “Once taller trees are removed we have the possibility of heavier aircraft flying lower over the houses, increasing noise and vibration."

But Mike Weeks, representing the airport, said the proposals stemmed from good forestry.

Today an AXO spokesperson said: "More than eight months after the council rejected the application to fell trees on the southern edge of Marlhill Copse they are once again under threat of being cut down.

"Southampton International Airport Limited (SIAL) has lodged an appeal.

"This is the latest in numerous attempts to fell the trees, which include the iconic Monterey and Corsican pines that have provided an enduring skyline for over half a century.

"Flights from the airport have been taking-off over Marlhill Copse without incident since the first felling application in 1983."

Izzy Sargent, a regular visitor to the area, said the area affected by the proposals included an established badger sett.

A document outlining the appeal says: "The immediate impact of the loss of the pine trees will be temporary (8-10 years) and newly replanted trees will form a young woodland.

"The level of felling proposed is sympathetic and low-key."

Plans to extend the runway by 164 metres were approved by Eastleigh Borough Council earlier this year after 19 hours of debate.