Scores of trees in triangle field in Vale to be protected

Hillstone Guernsey Ltd submitted a second planning application to create six homes on a small triangular field on Route du Braye earlier this summer.

The decision on that application is still pending.

It is unclear how the tree protection order, which is being consulted on, could affect that application.

A Hillstone Guernsey Ltd spokesman said it was not possible to comment on the order at this time. The order would see 46 trees protected – 23 European ash trees, 13 sycamores, seven black poplars, two elms and a hawthorn.

While the trees are around the edges of the field, each is given a protected root area, which is 12 times the size of the trunk.

Based on the size of the trees when they are mature, the entire field would be covered by this protection area.

An earlier planning application for eight dwellings on the field was rejected in June.

One of the reasons given for the refusal was concerns that the project would overdevelop the site and that it would have an adverse impact on existing trees, which would be likely to detract from the landscape character and local distinctiveness.

An Agriculture, Countryside & Land Management Services spokesman said in the planning report that it had serious concerns about that project’s impact.

‘There is nothing to suggest that the layout, density or design has taken account of the trees,’ it stated.

‘In my view the layout/arrangement would appear to maximise damage.

‘To avoid significant damage to the trees, based on this proposed layout, I would firstly be looking for a revised layout.’

They also raised concerns that while many trees were kept under that plan, there would be pressure for these to later be removed, in particular along the southern, main road boundary.

The field was sold for £420,000 last year.

A petition with more than 400 signatures objecting to the original application was put together.

A Hillstone spokesman has said previously said the most recent application had a greater emphasis on what could be added in terms of public amenity and improvements.

The order is available to view at Sir Charles Frossard House.

In general, it makes it an offence to cut down, lop, top, prune, cut or compact the roots or the ground level of the root area, uproot, wilfully damage or wilfully destroy a tree without planning permission.

Guidance issued by the Development & Planning Authority says its purpose is ‘to protect trees which bring significant amenity benefit to the local area. This protection is particularly important where trees are under threat’.

If work is carried out on protected trees without permission, it could lead to imprisonment or a fine. Representations should be made in writing by 26 November.