Shock as perry orchard razed (From Stroud News and Journal)

Shock as perry orchard razed

MORE than a century of rural heritage was lost when a beautiful perry orchard was razed to the ground in Stonehouse, prompting fears that the farm land is due for industrial development.

Residents in the town's Oldends Lane area were shocked last weekend to see their pastoral view change for ever when almost 40 pear trees were felled without warning on Saturday, January 26.

The orchard's owner, farmer Gordon Nicholls of Oldends Farm was unavailable for comment but neighbour Celia Vines said it had come as a huge shock.

"We went out on Saturday and when we came back the trees had been chopped down," said Mrs Vines.

"It hasn't even been done neatly, the trees are lying where they fell all splintered and the stumps are all different heights.

"I have enjoyed the white and pink blossom every spring-time for 36 years."

The action has sparked rumours in Stonehouse that the industrial company, Schlumberger is interested in the farm land for development.

And a Stroud District Council planning officer confirmed on Monday that an agent acting on behalf of Schlumberger had served notice on Mr Nicholls for planning permission on his land.

An outline application for industrial development has already been granted for land to the east of the felled orchard.

And a detailed planning application for the erection of three new industrial buildings, an office and associated car parking has been lodged with SDC.

For more on this story and much more Five Valleys news, see this week's SNJ