Melton Road tree felling

Overview

Leicester City Council will be carrying out pavement improvement works on Melton Road (between Marfitt Street to Acorn Street inbound and Herbert Avenue and Ascot Road outbound side).

The aim of the works is to improve the overall quality of the pavement, make the relevant section more pedestrian-friendly, and tackle any drainage issues. This work will be simillar to recent pavement works carried out in the area.  

There are five semi mature Lime trees which need to removed due the severity of the root damage that has made the pavement unsafe for pedestrians, particularly elderly individuals and those with mobility issues. As we cannot cut the radial roots without destabilising the tree, the only option is to remove the tree to make the pavement safe to use.

The five medium-sized, semi mature Lime trees are located on Marfitt Street to Acorn Street (inbound side). It is council policy to replace any felled trees with two juvenille trees. Replacement trees will be planted at more suitable areas in soft verges at locations within the ward or other parts of the city.

The pavements will be restored and street furniture will be placed in the location of the tree removal such as bollards and cycle racks to stop vehicles from parking on the pavement. 

The Environmental Act 2021 requires us to consult with members of the public before felling any tree on an urban road (a street tree). See Environmental Act 2021, Chapter 30, Part 6, 115(2) for exceptions to this rule.

We are seeking your views on our proposal to remove these trees.