As I got closer, I could see a figure clambouring up the trunk of the most prominent pine tree at the front of the former clinic. I could also hear their chain saw as they lopped off the lower limbs of this fine tree.
I immediately rang the Council's Conservation Officer and sent my picture to the Council's Forestry Officer. They were able to confirm that this tree felling had been properly sanctioned by the approved planning approval for the redevelopment of this site.
Futhermore, this particular tree was a 'Monterey Cypress' (a species of cypress native to the Central Coast of California) which had previously been subject to a tree preservation order.
One positive from witnessing this tree felling was that this is an indicator that the developer is beginning site clearance prior to beginning the conversion of Armistead House into apartments and the building of some new build houses on the wider site. I am sure the neighbours will be relieved when this long empty site has been redeveloped.
Further details about the history of Armistead House are available from the Building at Risk Register.
