South Stoneham Cemetery airport tree management

Southampton International Airport Limited (SIAL) is requesting a licence from Southampton City Council to fell 19 mature trees and manage 10 others. This is in South Stoneham Cemetery to remove obstacles from the airport’s flight paths.

The council’s adopted tree policy gives all council-owned trees an equivalent protection to a Tree Preservation Order. It requires the council’s Cabinet to assess the impact of the proposal on the amenity of this very sensitive area. The Cabinet must also assess whether the proposal is justified.

Cabinet supported the request on 15 July 2025 and the associated documents and minutes are available to view on the meeting page: Cabinet Agenda - Tuesday, 15th July, 2025 4.30 pm. Cabinet delegated to officers to work with SIAL on the extended tree management plan, ecological impacts, and mitigation measures.

Southampton International Airport (SIA) will be adding information to their aerodrome safeguarding page as it becomes available.

Frequently asked questions

What is happening at South Stoneham cemetery? SHOW


What tree works are SIAL requesting to carry out? SHOW


Why is SIAL requesting to carry out tree works at South Stoneham Cemetery? SHOW


Are the affected trees protected under any formal designations? SHOW


How old are the trees being considered for removal? SHOW


What is the ecological impact of removing these trees? SHOW


What is the economic justification for the tree works? SHOW


What mitigation does the council's tree policy require when trees are removed? SHOW


What mitigation measures are proposed by SIAL? SHOW


How will cemetery visitors be considered in this process? SHOW


What arrangements have been made if any funerals take place? SHOW


When are the works expected to take place? SHOW


What access restrictions will there be? SHOW


What happens if any of the graves or memorials are damaged during the works? SHOW