A new roundabout in Edward Benefer Way in King’s Lynn gets underway as residents left unhappy with amount of felled trees

A developer has promised to plant hundreds of more trees after residents voiced concerns about them being cut down to make way for new homes.

Residents have been left unhappy about the decision to chop down trees for a building development.

Plans for 450 new homes off Edward Benefer Way, which lies in the South Wootton parish, were granted permission by the West Norfolk Council’s planning committee in May last year.

At that time, the developer was given permission to remove some trees as part of the work.

However, some who live in the area say they are frustrated by the volume that have been cut down as part of the work to build a roundabout for the development.

One who lives nearby said: “Lots of residents are upset about the trees being cut down.

“There are about 150 trees that have been removed.”

However, Allison Homes – which is behind the development – has assured those concerned that replacement trees will be planted to make up for any that have been removed.

Sue Warwick, regional managing director for Allison Homes Eastern Counties, said: “We understand residents’ concerns and are grateful to the South Wootton community for their patience as we begin work on our new development.

“The construction of the new roundabout on Edward Benefer Way is required to be completed before works to the houses on the site can commence.

“The removal of the trees was necessary and approved as part of the planning permission.

“We are working closely with the local authority, and over the course of the development will be planting 390 trees, over 2,700 shrubs, and over 6,700 hedge plants. We will continue to engage in an open line of communication with our neighbours.”

When the plans were first approved, Labour borough councillor Christine Hudson asked whether the new roundabout, used to access the development, would be able to cope with all the new cars using it.

In total, there will be 12 one-bedroom properties, 58 two-bedrooms, 218 three-bedrooms, 138 four-bedrooms and 24 five-bedrooms.