We are a residents group representing the area where Godstone Road and Winchester Road meet (GodWin) in St. Margaret's, London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. We are campaigning to save the Godwin trees: 11 mature and protected trees on the corner of Winchester and Godstone Road. 

If you would like to know more, or join our campaign to save the trees please contact us using the form below.

LATEST NEWS - JUNE 2025 - New Planning Application Submitted

Thank you again for your ongoing support of this long-running saga, it is almost two years since our last success. It has been lovely to meet many of you in person over the last couple of years and put faces to names. Having seen off the previous developers there are some new ones and they have unfortunately begun the whole process again

There is now a New Planning Application - PA25/1450 that has been submitted for two four bedroom houses. We likely have until the end June to make our feelings known otherwise we will lose some of our wonderful trees and a good section of our pavement that has been in continuous use for over 40 years.
 
The application is very lengthy, the broad strokes are that they are now proposing to build two houses that will open directly onto the end of Winchester Road. In order to do this they are planning to remove the three trees facing Winchester Road and enclose the cherry tree into the development reducing the pavement size and removing the Right of Way that has existed for over 40 years! 
 
Last planning application we had well over 100 objections against the proposal. It would be great to get that number in again or more! 
 
OBJECTIONS can be made online following the link below:
 
Valid reasons to object are listed on this page:
 
A reminder that the trees and were put in place to improve the appearance of the locality as a condition placed upon the Business Park in the 1980's and the APPEAL DISMISSAL says
 
' I find that the collective value of the trees as a group is substantial and that they comprise an attractive cluster of trees, making a positive contribution to the appearance of the street. The loss of the trees, notwithstanding the proposals for replacement planting elsewhere, would substantially degrade the quality of the streetscene at this location. The inclusion of some replacement trees within the proposed scheme would do little to ameliorate this impact, given that the size and number would not be comparable to the existing specimens. 
Consequently, for the reasons given above, I find that the proposal would be harmful to the character and appearance of the area, including the loss of protected trees, contrary to Policies LP1, LP15 and LP16 of the London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames Local Plan (the Local Plan). Together, and amongst other things, these policies seek to ensure that development contributes to the local environment and character, as well as protecting existing trees that are of amenity value.'
 
Many thanks for whatever support you feel you are able to offer

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Contact Information

savethegodwintrees@gmail.com

Habitats & Heritage, 53 Grimwood Rd,
London
Twickenham
TW1 1BY