Residents concerned for trees

ALARMED residents called in the district council after watching contractors move in to Wansfell College, Theydon Bois.

A district council enforcement officer, tree officer and technical officer visited the Piercing Hill college after receiving a number of complaints from residents concerned over the arrival of heavy machinery and the removal of rhododendrons and brambles.

A council spokesman said the work was legitimate so did not require council permission, but added it would continue to monitor the situation.

Former Theydon Bois county councillor Janet Whitehouse said: "The Friends of Wansfell College, many from Theydon Bois, put a lot of time and care into maintaining the gardens. The rhododendrons were particularly enjoyed and it's sad to hear they're being removed.

"I've visited the site with the district council's landscape officer who has discussed the work that is being done and ensured that the contractors are fully aware of the protected trees."

Chingford-based developer Mountcharm Ltd purchased the college on September 19, according to Stuart Mowle, director of real estate consultancy Lambert Smith Hampton.

Mr Mowle added: "The purchasers wish to convert the existing college building to residential apartments and are fully aware of the planning restrictions on building within green belt land in which the college resides."

A local resident said: "We've heard there will be a planning application to convert the building to 20 flats and we're concerned about the extensive area which will be needed for car parking and the damage that will be done to the green belt."

Mountcharm Ltd has been unavailable for comment.