Shoreham Poplar Front rejoice as council U-turn on housing plans that would see beloved tree demolished

The campaign group has been trying to stop developers cutting down Brighton Road's only poplar tree for almost two years

A campaign group who tried to save a Shoreham street's only poplar tree is rejoicing as the council U-turns on housing plans which would have seen it demolished.

The Shoreham Poplar Front, whose ongoing protests have included camping out in the tree near the Wellington Pub on Brighton Road, have had their pleas heard by the council., who've decided to work with Hyde to change the shape of the development in order to keep the tree. 

Reworks of original plans include less ground floor commercial space and relocating a block of 8 apartments. In doing so, they'll still be able to build the 159 affordable homes - which leader of the Poplar Front Darcy Harrison says is the message they've been trying to get across all along.

"We are delighted that the last Poplar Tree on Brighton Road has been saved from felling.

"We've stated since the start of this campaign that there's no need to fell this tree, given the size of the plot and we're pleased this point's now been accepted in the latest design which delivers the same amount of homes without removing the tree."

Adur District Councillor Steve Neocleous says the resolution came about from spending "lots of time talking with protesters to listen to their concerns".

“We have taken on board how important this tree is to them and then asked Hyde to go back to the drawing board to find a way to save it.

“And thankfully we have found a way to do that as well as provide much-needed social housing for local people. This brownfield site is perfect for delivering such an important project.

“We remain committed to breathing new life into these sites and ensuring people have modern, environmentally-friendly homes that they are proud to live in - but we’ll always take into consideration the views of the community.”

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