The silver birch trees stand outside Park House, home to Monkey Puzzle Nursery opposite East Finchley Station, where developer Places for Barnet is set to replace the nursery and build 75 new homes.
However Roger Chapman, chair of Friends of Cherry Tree Wood, said the developer was showing “utter contempt” for the value placed on the trees.
He added retaining them would be in keeping with Barnet Council’s local plan, which sets out planning policy as well as sites for housing and employment, and states that the area with the birches should be maintained and improved.
Mr Chapman claimed that in 2005, he had requested the council place a tree preservation order (TPO) on the five trees but this was rejected as there was no threat to them at that time.
Now, over 700 people have signed a petition calling for the birches to be placed under TPOs.
Mr Chapman said a council tree officer had confirmed on July 1 that an assessment on TPO status for the trees would be carried out.
He said: “We’re not saying there should be no development, we’re saying the development should be on the basis of maintaining the mature trees and the open space in front of the site.
“They are mature trees, which are of amazing amenity value both visually and for the climate change benefits they give in terms of purifying the air and doing good things for the soil.
“They’re also significant as they act as a lead route into Cherry Tree Wood.”
To date, Mr Chapman said residents had only seen “sketches” of the scheme so were unsure how it related to the rest of the area.
Asked about plans to replace the five trees with 11 new trees, Mr Chapman said: “Promising a few ‘sticks’ to replace such fine trees is typical developer tripe.”
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A council spokesperson said the trees were “not considered to be at immediate risk of removal”.
The council spokesperson said the petition would be heard by the strategic planning committee in September “at the earliest” but a report assessing the trees’ suitability for inclusion within a TPO, would be carried out before then.
They said no plans has yet been submitted and any application would need to take account of the local plan.
Places for Barnet, a partnership between the council and London Placemaking, said the trees “unfortunately” needed to be removed for the redevelopment but it was exploring whether they could be retained and replanted.
A spokesperson said: “We remain open to discussions on tree planting and improving access to Cherry Tree Wood for the local community.
“The single tree protected by a TPO on-site – the yew tree adjacent to Hamlet Gate – will be retained.
“A full landscape design is being developed including the planting of two new silver birches and a number of additional trees on the edges of the site.
“There will be other landscaping including areas for wildflowers and shrubs, woodland planting in shaded areas and planters.
“We have also been exploring the potential for a new, picturesque entrance into Cherry Tree Wood to improve access and wayfinding. We have made efforts to engage with the Friends of Cherry Tree Wood and remain open to engaging with them, should they wish to work on a codesign proposal.
“TPOs are determined by the council, and Places for Barnet is not in a position to comment further on this.”
