From the Bristol Evening Post: http://tinyurl.com/ahgqf
11:00 - 01 July 2005
Thousands of trees on a mile-long stretch of a railway embankment between Winterbourne and Coalpit Heath are to be chopped down. Network Rail claims the work is necessary to ensure safety for passengers, and to get around local opposition it has gained permission from the Government.
This means that planning permission is not necessary.
The railways operator said the work, costing ú10 million, was vital because the steep sides of the 100-year-old embankment were showing clear signs of slippage and needed shoring up.
It said about 4,000 tonnes of timber from the clearance work would go for pulping into paper.
Network Rail also said the overgrown trees and shrubs meant a speed restriction had been imposed, reducing the 125mph limit to 100mph on the up track and 80 mph on the down track.
At the end of August contractors will begin felling every tree on the embankments, although several pockets of woodland will be retained following negotiations with South Gloucestershire Council.
Following local opposition and delays in planning permission from South Gloucestershire Council, Network Rail said it was forced to get the go-ahead from the Department of Transport.
Network Rail project manager Scott Pillinger said: "The work should have started in February of 2004 but was originally put off to wait for the bird nesting season to be completed.
"We have been waiting for permission from the council since January and now we cannot wait any longer.
"We have listened to local views and some areas of woodland will be retained which are away from the embankment."
Mr Pillinger said work on access roads to truck in a quarter of a million tonnes of ballast needed to stabilise the embankments would begin in July.
Network Rail has paid ú250,000 in compensation to local landowners on one side of the track so that preliminary work can start.
An exhibition of the planned works will be on display at the Manor Hall, Coalpit Heath, on July 11.
Railside Trees in Coalpit Heath to be Felled
Without getting into a debate on the ecology of wooded embankments or the stability issues, but looking at this through purely selfish eyes (let's indulge ourselves, as rail enthusiasts), then the work that has really got underway this week is 'good news'. At last, we can see the trains on this superb embankment again !
I can recall sitting on the bench in KGV park in Downend in the 70's and picking out the Westerns from the peaks etc. as they moved across in the distance. Then, not so many years after the demise of steam, the embankments were kept free from trees and it has taken nigh on 40 years of growth for the embankments to get to the state they are in now. But we can't see the trains !! I have a pic of Meld (Deltic) from mid 70's on a railtour between Park Lane and Badminton Road, that would be impossible to create today due to the trees.
So, I for one will be pleased to see 60's and 66's with full lenght red oil tank or EWS coal hoppers moving out of Winterbourne cutting, over the viaduct and along the embankment. I'd just better keep my eye on the road when I'm driving !
Enjoy.
I can recall sitting on the bench in KGV park in Downend in the 70's and picking out the Westerns from the peaks etc. as they moved across in the distance. Then, not so many years after the demise of steam, the embankments were kept free from trees and it has taken nigh on 40 years of growth for the embankments to get to the state they are in now. But we can't see the trains !! I have a pic of Meld (Deltic) from mid 70's on a railtour between Park Lane and Badminton Road, that would be impossible to create today due to the trees.
So, I for one will be pleased to see 60's and 66's with full lenght red oil tank or EWS coal hoppers moving out of Winterbourne cutting, over the viaduct and along the embankment. I'd just better keep my eye on the road when I'm driving !
Enjoy.
gtuwist76
Bristol
Bristol
A Follow up from Network Rail: http://tinyurl.com/aq3fo
NETWORK Rail has hit back at claims that tree clearance operations at Coalpit Heath are a "blatant destruction" of the environment.
The company last week began clearing thousands of trees and other vegetation from a mile-long stretch of railway embankment between Coalpit Heath and Winterbourne.
To bypass opposition from both residents and South Gloucestershire Council, Network Rail sought and was granted an exemption order from the Department of Transport to allow the clearance work to begin.
It is the first stage of a ú9 million project to shore up the embankment which Network Rail says is unstable.
It has already imposed a speed limit on trains using the mainline track.
Planning officials have issued an enforcement notice claiming Network Rail is in breach of planning regulations at one access point near the embankment, but this has not prevented work from progressing.
Network Rail spokeswoman Kirsty Anderson said: "To suggest the work at Coalpit Heath is illegal is incorrect.
"It is essential work to ensure that the railway embankment stays safe, both now and in the future.
"We have tried to co-operate fully with the council and have the authority from the Secretary of State for transport for the work to take place. We are in the process of appealing against the enforcement notice but that does not prevent the work from progressing."
She said Network Rail was unable to reach an agreement with the council to truck in stone ballast to stabilise the embankments, but Section 14 of the Regulations of Railways Act allowed work to proceed without consent.
The safety work is already 18 months behind schedule after the start date was originally set back six months to avoid disrupting the bird- nesting season.
It was delayed for a further year as negotiations between local residents and the council reached an impasse over access points for trucking in the ballast, three on the Badminton Road and one at Ram Hill.
Councillor Alan Bracey (Westerleigh, Lib Dem) denied the council had used delaying tactics over Network Rail's planning application. He said: "They had two applications for access on to the site at the July meeting but it was Network Rail's decision to withdraw them two days before they were due to be discussed."
NETWORK Rail has hit back at claims that tree clearance operations at Coalpit Heath are a "blatant destruction" of the environment.
The company last week began clearing thousands of trees and other vegetation from a mile-long stretch of railway embankment between Coalpit Heath and Winterbourne.
To bypass opposition from both residents and South Gloucestershire Council, Network Rail sought and was granted an exemption order from the Department of Transport to allow the clearance work to begin.
It is the first stage of a ú9 million project to shore up the embankment which Network Rail says is unstable.
It has already imposed a speed limit on trains using the mainline track.
Planning officials have issued an enforcement notice claiming Network Rail is in breach of planning regulations at one access point near the embankment, but this has not prevented work from progressing.
Network Rail spokeswoman Kirsty Anderson said: "To suggest the work at Coalpit Heath is illegal is incorrect.
"It is essential work to ensure that the railway embankment stays safe, both now and in the future.
"We have tried to co-operate fully with the council and have the authority from the Secretary of State for transport for the work to take place. We are in the process of appealing against the enforcement notice but that does not prevent the work from progressing."
She said Network Rail was unable to reach an agreement with the council to truck in stone ballast to stabilise the embankments, but Section 14 of the Regulations of Railways Act allowed work to proceed without consent.
The safety work is already 18 months behind schedule after the start date was originally set back six months to avoid disrupting the bird- nesting season.
It was delayed for a further year as negotiations between local residents and the council reached an impasse over access points for trucking in the ballast, three on the Badminton Road and one at Ram Hill.
Councillor Alan Bracey (Westerleigh, Lib Dem) denied the council had used delaying tactics over Network Rail's planning application. He said: "They had two applications for access on to the site at the July meeting but it was Network Rail's decision to withdraw them two days before they were due to be discussed."
I agree entirely with "gtuwist76". I detest the vegetation growth that has appeared alongside our railways in the past couple of decades. Not only does it prevent us from seeing trains from the lineside, but it restricts the view from the train window. Nowadays there are many supposedly scenic railway routes from which you can see nothing but foliage.
How would the protesters react if they were prevented from mowing their lawns on the grounds that it was "blatant destruction of the environment"?
Keep up the good work Network Rail!
How would the protesters react if they were prevented from mowing their lawns on the grounds that it was "blatant destruction of the environment"?
Keep up the good work Network Rail!
Andy Kirkham
Cool! maybe we'll end up with Hollywood filming the next Terminator movie thereJames wrote:Flax Bourton cutting is like being in a giant motorway underpass or flood drainage channel
All I know about trees is that I wouldn't want one planted too close to my house. Something like an Oak they recommend a distance of about 150ft from property.
The roots disturb the ground when they're growing, and in dry spells they absorb all the moisture from the surrounding area leading to subsidence. If they're growing where they shouldn't, and especially on a slope, then their own weight can lead to the ground beneath them giving way when the tree gets too big.
I can see why the conservationists like all the foliage along a railway embankment, but it's not the job of the railway to act as a nature reserve. If the trees are compromising safety then they have to go.
That's my 2cents worth anyway
Planning Chief Quits Over Trees
A Follow up: .http://tinyurl.com/aq34m
By John Le Couteur A COUNCILLOR leading the campaign to save trees on a railway embankment in South Gloucestershire has resigned as chairman of the council's planning committee after claiming officers have gagged him.
Alan Bracey (Westerleigh, Lib Dem) has been told he can no longer represent residents living alongside the embankment at Coalpit Heath, where thousands of trees are being axed, and has been banned from any council meetings discussing the issue.
Network Rail bypassed normal planning procedures when it applied to the Government for an exemption order to begin clearing trees and undergrowth from a mile-long stretch of embankment between Coalpit Heath and Winterbourne.
Network Rail insists the clearance work is essential for the safety of rail passengers, to prevent further slippage of the embankment which has already had a limit imposed on high-speed trains using the line.
But the company will need planning permission to open up four access points off the busy Badminton Road and Ram Hill to truck in thousands of tonnes of stone ballast needed to prop up the embankments.
However, South Gloucestershire planning officials have told Network Rail it can begin work on the access points - before it has re- submitted an application previously refused by the authority.
Mr Bracey said today: "I was informed yesterday that a licence had been issued to the contractors for Network Rail to install traffic signals for the construction of three accesses from the Badminton Road, and a fourth off Ram Hill.
"They are subject to planning applications which are expected to be submitted. This means that when they are received, work will already have started.
"This has made my position as chairman of the development control west committee untenable and I have tendered my resignation."
The councillor, who has represented Westerleigh for 14 years, has also been told by the council's chief executive, Amanda Deeks, that he will not be allowed to attend any planning meetings when Network Rail's planning application is discussed - essentially gagging him. Mr Bracey said: "I can only assume it is because I live in close proximity to the Network Rail site in Coalpit Heath. I have been told I must declare a personal and prejudicial interest.
"What this means is that when applications from Network Rail appear on the agenda, I have to leave the council chamber, which means I will be unable to represent the very people who have elected me."
He said he felt "let down" by council officials but pledged to continue to fight for the interests and safety of local residents.
Mr Bracey said he had never opposed safety work on the embankments, but questioned the need to remove every tree and shrub on Network Rail's land.
Debra Davies, spokeswoman for South Gloucestershire Council, said today: "Councillor Bracey will be meeting with the chief executive tomorrow to discuss the issues and try to resolve them."
Network Rail said it was concerned over the long-term stability of the embankment and essential safety work had already been delayed for 18 months because of the planning wrangle and to allow the bird-nesting seasons to go ahead undisturbed.
By John Le Couteur A COUNCILLOR leading the campaign to save trees on a railway embankment in South Gloucestershire has resigned as chairman of the council's planning committee after claiming officers have gagged him.
Alan Bracey (Westerleigh, Lib Dem) has been told he can no longer represent residents living alongside the embankment at Coalpit Heath, where thousands of trees are being axed, and has been banned from any council meetings discussing the issue.
Network Rail bypassed normal planning procedures when it applied to the Government for an exemption order to begin clearing trees and undergrowth from a mile-long stretch of embankment between Coalpit Heath and Winterbourne.
Network Rail insists the clearance work is essential for the safety of rail passengers, to prevent further slippage of the embankment which has already had a limit imposed on high-speed trains using the line.
But the company will need planning permission to open up four access points off the busy Badminton Road and Ram Hill to truck in thousands of tonnes of stone ballast needed to prop up the embankments.
However, South Gloucestershire planning officials have told Network Rail it can begin work on the access points - before it has re- submitted an application previously refused by the authority.
Mr Bracey said today: "I was informed yesterday that a licence had been issued to the contractors for Network Rail to install traffic signals for the construction of three accesses from the Badminton Road, and a fourth off Ram Hill.
"They are subject to planning applications which are expected to be submitted. This means that when they are received, work will already have started.
"This has made my position as chairman of the development control west committee untenable and I have tendered my resignation."
The councillor, who has represented Westerleigh for 14 years, has also been told by the council's chief executive, Amanda Deeks, that he will not be allowed to attend any planning meetings when Network Rail's planning application is discussed - essentially gagging him. Mr Bracey said: "I can only assume it is because I live in close proximity to the Network Rail site in Coalpit Heath. I have been told I must declare a personal and prejudicial interest.
"What this means is that when applications from Network Rail appear on the agenda, I have to leave the council chamber, which means I will be unable to represent the very people who have elected me."
He said he felt "let down" by council officials but pledged to continue to fight for the interests and safety of local residents.
Mr Bracey said he had never opposed safety work on the embankments, but questioned the need to remove every tree and shrub on Network Rail's land.
Debra Davies, spokeswoman for South Gloucestershire Council, said today: "Councillor Bracey will be meeting with the chief executive tomorrow to discuss the issues and try to resolve them."
Network Rail said it was concerned over the long-term stability of the embankment and essential safety work had already been delayed for 18 months because of the planning wrangle and to allow the bird-nesting seasons to go ahead undisturbed.
Re: Planning Chief Quits Over Trees
After all, the best way to get thousands of tonnes of stone ballast to the site is by using trucks.... I find this quite bizzare!madhattie wrote:But the company will need planning permission to open up four access points off the busy Badminton Road and Ram Hill to truck in thousands of tonnes of stone ballast needed to prop up the embankments.
The area just looks completely lifeless now. Having the trees there was so much prettier when travelling along, but now it's just utterly bare. Looking at the various trucks filled with logs today, it's safe to come to the conclusion to ignore National Rail's excuse about "instability" - I'm sure one of the main reasons was to make a fast buck on the wood.
Here's a pic I took from the site of Winterbourne station looking along the embankment. I've blown this up to ridiculous proportions really, but it gives a good view this way. (what this location needs is a camera with a really big lens..)
Look at the left hand track in particular! It looks like a fairground roller coaster ride! It's no wonder it's had a speed restriction placed on it these last few years.
Look at the left hand track in particular! It looks like a fairground roller coaster ride! It's no wonder it's had a speed restriction placed on it these last few years.