NEW CARDIFF HOUSING ESTATE SPARKS 'ANGER, UPSET AND DISGUST' FROM NEIGHBOURS
Residents in a Cardiff suburb have shared their anger over trees being chopped down in a popular wood as part of works to build a new housing estate.
The trees have been chopped down by Barratt Redrow in the wooded area beside Cardiff Road known as Coed Bychan in Pentrebane, partly to make way for 307 new homes on land off Pentrebane Road at Cae St Fagans. The area neighbours Plymouth Great Wood.
Locals have said they are upset by the removal of the trees and claimed they were removed to allow access to the new housing development for heavy goods vehicles, while a spokesperson for Barratt Redrow said they were removed because the trees weren't safe and they acted in accordance with planning laws.
Angela Berrow, 62, who lives in the area, said: “We are really upset by the state of the woods because lots of trees have been cut down, not just a couple.
“Parts of pathways have been blocked off by branches from trees, but what is most shocking is the state of the tracks because they’ve allowed the big machinery that’s going up to the fields that they’re building on through the woods."
Paul Berrow, 57, said: “I think it is disgusting. I’ve lived here all my life, I’ve been going up those woods since I was a little kid. Last time I went up it was really upsetting.
“We used to walk through the woods all the time, just listening to the wildlife and everything, but going up there a few weeks ago, it’s absolutely disgusting.”
The couple claimed multiple access points to the woods have been blocked off to walkers and that the vehicles going through the woods had driven local wildlife, such as foxes, into the nearby streets.
A local dog walker, Lee Napier, 55, said: “[The developer has] made it really hard for people to walk in here. There’s a lot of wildlife around here. There are hawks, woodpeckers and everything around here and all their territory is being torn up.
“Birds aren’t going to be able to hunt because there’s going to be nowhere for them to hunt.”
A spokesperson for Barratt Redrow said: “We take our responsibility to protect and work alongside the existing landscape at Coed Bychan very seriously.
“In accordance with approved planning permission, and following independent advice from an arboricultural consultant, a small number of trees affected by ash dieback had to be removed as they were hazardous and unsafe to retain, along with a limited area of scrub clearance required to facilitate the works.
“All works have been carried out under the supervision of a qualified ecologist. We remain committed to supporting the long-term health of the woodland while minimising disruption to the local community.
“Where trees have been removed an extensive planting programme will follow, including new trees, shrubs, and a wildflower meadow to create and enhance habitats for wildlife. The gravel footway will also be reopened as soon as the work is complete.”
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2026-04-07T21:06:03Z