OKEHAMPTON residents have launched a campaign to save two large conifer trees due for the chop as part of the housing development planned for Rondor and Gunn's Yard. In the planning application for the site between North Street and Northfield Road, one of the Macrocarpia trees is described as being 'not visible from public vantage points', while it is stated that 'there are only very limited views' of the other. But Northfield Road resident Jim White has taken a series of photographs from vantage points around Okehampton, such as Simmons Park and Church Avenue, to demonstrate that the trees are prominent features of the town. He said: 'There must be hundreds of Okehampton residents who can see these trees from their homes and work places. They make a significant contribution to the townscape.' The group of residents is concerned that the development of 32 dwellings proposed for Rondor and Gunn's Yard is out of scale with the size of the area. North Street resident Barbara Childs said: 'It seems to me that the developers are trying to squeeze in the maximum number of houses. They could have planned on building less and still retain the trees. This may decrease the profits but everyone could enjoy a better environment.' Another North Street resident, Neil Donovan, added: 'We're not opposed to development at the site per se but it has to be of the right scale and quality, and do more to preserve the last remaining area of historic green space in the heart of Okehampton.' The residents also argue that the ecological value of the site has not been fully investigated, to ascertain what birds and bats are roosting there. They are now asking other Okehampton residents who can see the trees, and would like to protect them, to take part in a postcard campaign. Stamped and addressed postcards are available, which can be signed and sent to the planning committee. They bear the message: 'I can see the trees! And still want to. Please make the right decision for the town'. West Devon Borough Council is meeting to decide the future of the site on Tuesday April 3 at Hatherleigh Community Centre, so the group is urging supporters to pick up and post one before then. 'It's not too late yet to let councillors on the planning committee know how we feel,' Mr White said. The postcards are available from The Ockment Centre, Country Lanes Garden Centre, Moor Cycles, Millennium Music, and The Pickled Walnut.
