Community Group Challenges “Unlawful” Tree Felling Plans at Poynton Pool

Campaign group Friends of Poynton Pool has sent an open letter to Cheshire East Council objecting to their controversial proposal for spillway works at Poynton Pool, which is expected to be submitted for planning approval in November 2025.

The group’s letter states that Cheshire East Council’s proposal will result in the felling or irreparable damage of more than 240 mature trees at Poynton Pool, and cites significant environmental, legal, and community concerns.

In his open letter to CEC’s Chief Executive, the group’s Chair Mike Ellison an arboriculturist, states:

“The proposed felling of trees at Poynton Pool is not supported by evidence, contrary to statutory duties, and it is disproportionate in its environmental impact. Should this matter proceed without lawful justification and without serious consideration of alternative solutions, we reserve the right to pursue all available legal remedies, including judicial review.”

Classified as a reservoir, Poynton Pool falls under the statutory oversight of the Council, which is required to undertake safety improvements following a statutory inspection.

When the Council undertook an initial public engagement exercise in 2022 there was very strong negative feedback with over 1,200 responses from members of the public, and tree removal was the most contentious issue.

Despite this, the Council presented its proposal to its Strategic Planning Board (SPB) in April 2024, and was met with a 5,800-signature petition, 1,700 objections and fierce criticism. SPB deferred the decision, requesting further investigation into data accuracy, dam wall risks, tree removal impacts, and the feasibility of alternative solutions.

Despite recent meetings between the Council and Friends of Poynton Pool, during which the group was told its latest alternative scheme for spillway improvements was viable, a stalemate still exists. The Council has advised it is going to be resubmitting proposals to planning in the next few weeks even with widespread public opposition and the availability of less destructive alternatives.

The Council’s justification for the mass tree removal—purportedly for flood prevention and dam safety—has been undermined by its own data. According to the group, there is no historical record of Poynton Pool ever overtopping its embankment, even during extreme weather events that have flooded nearby streets and homes.

Independent engineering assessments revealed critical flaws in the Council's risk analysis, including:

• A nearly 100% overestimation of reservoir volume

• Underestimated outflow capacity

• Inflated flood risk not supported by historical or empirical data

The proposed felling contradicts local climate action and biodiversity commitments. Mature trees are vital for carbon capture, biodiversity, flood mitigation, and public amenity. The Council’s own policy (ENV 6) stipulates that any unavoidable loss of significant trees must be offset by replacements of commensurate amenity value—a requirement the current plan fails to meet.

Moreover, residents have overwhelmingly objected to the proposal. The Council’s continued pursuit of this plan in the face of such opposition is “irrational” and risks eroding public trust.

In conclusion, Mike Ellison states:

“Our letter was sent to the Council over two weeks ago and we, and the community are still awaiting a response. This plan flies in the face of science, law, and public interest. There are safer, more sustainable solutions available. Felling over 240 trees without clear justification is not just environmentally reckless - it is potentially unlawful.”

Pictured - Ribbon of hope

Picture Credit - Geoff Jennings