DOZENS of Trowbridge residents have sprung into action to try and save many old trees that a developer is looking to fell as part of its plans for the land Courtfield House is on.

Nearly 30 representation letters have been sent to Wiltshire Council by Polebarn Road residents in opposition to plans to turn the historic Grade II listed building into five flats, build 16 flats on the orchard and convert the historic wool store into communal garaging and parking.

They have raised concerns over destroying wildlife, about poor access and have applied to have tree preservation orders put in place, as some of the trees are well over a century old.

Stuart Farrimond, of Polebarn Road, said: “What this is, is shameless profiteering. They have got their eye on having luxury apartments here. This is about making a buck. The destruction of the trees is unacceptable.

“The apple festival team used to use this orchard for the event and wanted it to be a community orchard. But more than destroying this nature reserve, the proposal for these ‘luxury’ homes will not help solve the housing crisis – they are not affordable – and the traffic infrastructure will not cope given that development for flats at Court Mill is already underway; the GP surgery is also very over-subscribed.”

Jackie Harding, of Polebarn Road, said: “This is in a conservation area and it dates back to 1762. The road by the side of the house is so narrow and they want 49 parking spaces. I cannot see how that is possible to get along that narrow road, which will need a pavement for safety reasons.”

Ashford Homes were asked for the views but did not respond before the Wiltshire Times’ press deadline.