Treehouse activist labels council 'hypocrites' over housing development

Protesters are occupying the campsite 24/7 to demonstrate against the destruction of woodland in Coldean, Brighton.

The development, just off Coldean Lane, will provide 242 low rent council homes amid a "desperate shortage" of affordable housing.

However, furious protesters, including students as young as 20-years-old, said they have kept the camp going since January 2, calling on Brighton and Hove City Council to stop destroying the area's ecosystem.

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The council has pledged to plant 200 "early mature" trees once construction is complete but need to remove a further 19 before then.

Sleeping through cold winter nights, activists operate on a shift system to avoid being evicted, with tents, stoves and logs to keep them warm.

One protester, 20 who gave her name as Ella, often makes the 20-minute climb to the treehouse using an assortment of ropes, said the group are waiting to be evicted.

"The council is supposed to have people's best interests - they are supposed to be there for the people.

"Felling mature trees during a climate and ecological crisis, when they have declared that, is very hypocritical.

"Most of us are students here and all working full time. The rota is divided up into three hours, to accommodate people's busy lives but we often end up staying longer.

"You have to wrap up - lots and lots of layers."

According to the city council, there are around 5,000 people on the housing waiting list, and more than 2,000 households in emergency and temporary accommodation.

The Active Resistance Camp is complete with logs, tents and a treehouse

Councillor David Gibson, chairman council’s housing committee said: "The Coldean development will provide 242 much-needed low rent council homes and shared ownership homes for those on low incomes in our city.

“With around 5,000 people on the council housing waiting list, and more than 2,000 households in emergency and temporary accommodation, there’s a desperate shortage of truly affordable housing like this.

“Of course we completely understand the concerns about tree felling and we’re keen to engage with campaigners.

“Environmental concerns were a key consideration of planning committee when this development was given consent as part of the Hyde joint venture back in 2019.

“Once building work is complete, 200 ‘early mature’ trees will be planted on the site – this is more than will be felled. More chalk grassland will also be created to boost native species, as part of the woodland management and landscaping of the area.

“We’ve made every effort to minimise the number of trees being felled but do need to remove a further 19. Five of these are in poor condition and need to be felled for the ongoing conservation of the woodland. All tree-felling is carried out to Natural England guidelines.

“The development has strict ecology and biodiversity method statements, produced by the Ecology Consultancy, to ensure there is no threat to wildlife.”