5th October 2025
Concern as Protected Ash Tree Felled at Padden Brook
Romiley residents have expressed anger and disappointment after the felling of a mature ash tree on land at Padden Brook — despite it being covered by a Woodland Tree Preservation Order (TPO).
The tree was removed last week by contractors – Elm Tree Services of Bredbury – working on the site. Locals say the ash appeared healthy apart from a small area showing early signs of ash dieback, a fungal disease currently affecting ash populations across the UK.
“It’s heartbreaking,” said one nearby resident. “This was a beautiful old tree and part of the woodland character of Padden Brook. There was no reason to cut it down — it wasn’t a danger to anyone.”
The land in question is understood to fall within an area protected by a Woodland Tree Preservation Order, which means that any work to fell or prune trees requires formal permission from the local authority.
Several residents told the Gazette they had not seen any public notice or received notification that consent had been granted. Stockport Council has been asked to confirm whether permission was obtained and whether an investigation is now under way.
Local environmental campaigners have also raised concerns that the loss of the ash could disturb wildlife habitats on the protected land.
“This is not just about one tree,” said a spokesperson for furious local residents. “Once you start removing healthy or recoverable trees, it undermines the protection that the Woodland Order is supposed to give. Ash dieback doesn’t always mean a tree has to come down — many can live for decades with proper care.”
The Gazette contacted Stockport Council for comment.
Residents have called for tighter monitoring of protected woodlands in Romiley and for replacement planting where trees are lost.
And Stockport Council is letting him get away with it all for some reason.
I counted at least 50 rings on the cut trunk of that tree. Ash dieback in an older tree doesn’t necessarily mean the end. The landowner doesn’t care about tree welfare, he is simply continuing his work of clearing as much of the land as he can, so he can cram as manu houses as possible on there.