North Woolwich Road – Tree Felling
As part of the Phase 1 Silvertown Quays development works commencing in January, there is a need to remove circa 104 existing trees and other vegetation along the northern edge of North Woolwich Road (NWR). This is in order to enable utility diversion and site re-grading essential for the construction works. The Reserved Matters Application (RMA) for the removal of these trees was approved by London Borough of Newham (LB Newham) under the planning consent dated December 2019. This approval also consented the planting of over 300 new trees within phase 1, as well as extensive new public realm including a major new public square, a local park, and establishing public access to the Silvertown dock frontage for the first time.
The removal of the trees was planned to commence in early 2021, however due to Covid-19, the project was delayed, and the tree felling was postponed. Project issues associated with Covid-19 have now been resolved and delivery can commence. The works are due to start on the end of January and will take approximately 4 weeks.
Extensive consultation regarding these works was undertaken as part of the Phase 1 RMA pre-application process, during which no concerns were raised by the members of the community.
Additionally, to the above, LB Newham is currently progressing designs to improve the environment along NWR. The ambition is for the carriageway to be reduced; however, this is subject to the outcome of a transport modelling process with TfL which looks at the impact on traffic if the road is narrowed. The NWR improvement scheme will create wider footways, improve the public realm and reduce the dominance of fast-moving traffic.
To achieve a high quality, tree-lined, publicly accessible connection along the northern footway of NWR it will be essential to configure existing and proposed landscaping, drainage and utilities in an optimal arrangement.
“We’re removing trees from the site before land levelling and building works begin. The removal of these trees has been timed so no harm comes to birds, whose nesting season does not start until later in the spring. We’ll also be planting more than 300 trees within the first phase of the development, as well as providing new green spaces.” - Lendlease
FAQ’s:
1. When are the works taking place?
The removal of the trees will be taking place in January and should take no longer than four weeks. The trees need to be removed then to ensure no harm comes to birds whose nesting season starts in late February – March.
2. What hours of the day will the works be happening?
The hours of operation for the works shall be:
- Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm
- Saturday 8am to 1pm
3. How many trees are you removing and why?
There are circa 104 trees that need to be removed before land levelling and building works can begin. Phase 1 will replace the existing banked area along the northern edge of North Woolwich Road with new buildings that will create an active street frontage and a safer pedestrian experience.
4. Will you be planting any more trees?
Absolutely! Leandlease will be planting over 300 trees within Phase 1 at Silvertown and providing new green spaces for locals, plus many more throughout the development of Silvertown. The existing trees, predominantly self-seeded London Plane, are of medium to poor quality.
The new trees planted at Silvertown will include a diverse range of species that offer much greater biodiversity (including Willow Oak and Black Pine). In addition, the Royal Docks Team and Newham Council are working on a number of projects to improve the quality and number of green spaces around the Royal Docks. These include traffic calming improvements along North Woolwich Road to create a more welcoming environment, and a Tree Planting Programme across Thames Barrier Park, Woolwich Manor Way, Albert Way, Royal Victoria Gardens, Albert Road and others that will see an additional 325 trees planted across the Royal Docks.
5. Why is this the first I have heard of this?
Apologies if this is the first time you have heard of these works taking place. An extensive consultation was carried out with the Royal Docks community on the Phase 1 proposals during the months of May, July and September 2019. The Phase 1 planning submission was submitted to the London Borough of Newham in September and approved in December 2019.
6. What will you be doing with the felled trees?
Lendlease are exploring possible re-use options for the trees that are being removed and hope to be able to use the wood for furniture items or used for other activities including children’s play, carving workshops, bug hotels or sculpture projects and other conservation works. The company have successfully reused timber in such ways for other regeneration projects in London.
7. Will the works impact the North Woolwich Road, and will the footpath be closed?
The footpath in the area of the tree felling works will be temporarily closed to ensure everyone’s safety whilst the works take place. Pedestrians will be re-routed to the footpath on the opposite side of the road via the nearest crossing during this temporary closure, and appropriate signage will be put in place to direct those affected. There will also be temporary closure to the works for safety reasons. A plan showing the location of the trees that are being removed is shown in the downloadable PDF document attached at the bottom of this page
8. My bus stop is where the works are taking place – what will happen to this?
Unfortunately, there will be a temporary closure of the Mill Road bus stop to ensure the safety of the public. This will be communicated by TfL via their live transport updates on their website. All details have been agreed with TfL and LB Newham.
For further information, please contact: hello@silvertown.com