BEVERLEY – Three East Riding councillors for Beverley have raised concerns following the removal of trees from a green space behind Minster Moorgate, which falls within a designated Conservation Area.
Cllrs Tom Astell, Eliza Whitaker and Tony Henderson say the works were carried out without sufficient public engagement or the opportunity for formal scrutiny, after being processed under a six-week notification rather than a full planning application. This procedure does not allow councillors or Beverley Town Council to request a review by the Planning Committee.
“The process has completely shut out the voices of local residents and representatives,” said Cllr Astell. “People feel blindsided. A Conservation Area should mean something—not just on paper, but in how decisions are made and how communities are involved.”
Cllr Whitaker said the removal had caused “a great deal of upset locally,” adding: “It’s not just about trees—it’s about trust. Residents feel they’ve had no say in something that affects the character and biodiversity of their neighbourhood.”
“The process has completely shut out the voices of local residents and representatives,” said Cllr Astell. “People feel blindsided. A Conservation Area should mean something—not just on paper, but in how decisions are made and how communities are involved.”
East Riding of Yorkshire Council confirmed that it had received a notification for the tree works and assessed the site. A spokesperson said:
“The trees were assessed by a tree officer and considered not suitable for a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) due to the lack of wider public visibility and poor form. The highest quality trees on site are being retained. We recognise the benefits that green spaces bring to local communities, and the decision was made in accordance with national guidance.”
The site is now subject to a new planning application seeking permission to remove a boundary wall, which councillors fear could facilitate future development.
“We share residents’ concern that this could be the thin end of the wedge,” said Cllr Henderson. “First the trees, then the wall—what next? These incremental changes can have a long-lasting impact.”
The ward councillors are calling for a review of how tree works in Conservation Areas are managed, with a view to strengthening protections and increasing transparency.