In a move to brighten up the school hall, St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Primary School on Walford Road, Ross-on-Wye, has submitted a planning application to Herefordshire County Council. The proposal seeks permission to fell Field Maples located in the school’s nursery area.

Application, P232733/K, cites the need to “get more light into the school hall” as the primary reason for the proposed tree removal. The school, located in the Ross East ward, believes that the removal of these trees will significantly enhance the lighting conditions within the hall, benefiting both staff and students.

Oliver Kaye, the case officer overseeing the application, confirmed its validity. The works, if approved, will be undertaken by Chapel Tree Services, based at Alton Court Farm on Penyard Lane in Ross-on-Wye.

The school, located at The Avenue, Ross-on-Wye, has initiated the public consultation phase, which began on Monday, 18 September 2023. Residents and interested parties are encouraged to share their views and comments on the proposal by Monday, 9 October 2023.

The application was officially received and validated by Herefordshire County Council on Tuesday, 12 September 2023. A decision on the proposal is anticipated by Tuesday, 24 October 2023.

For those interested in reviewing the application in detail or submitting their comments, the application is available on the Herefordshire County Council’s planning portal.