DPA – ‘protection of trees will not be used to delay developments’

This has followed feedback from a planning tribunal in one of the appeals made by developers in relation to building homes at the so-called Triangle Field – La Pointe in the Vale.

After applications for eight or six houses on the site were rejected, permission was finally given to build two homes on the site.

Among the concerns raised by objectors was the impact on the site’s protected trees.

Now the DPA has taken the step to publish guidance on the subject, which in the past was not available publicly before a planning application was made.

This document has been updated to make it relevant to the island’s tree stock, said the DPA.

Following the loss of a large proportion of the island’s trees during the 1990s due to Dutch elm disease, the remaining ones are of even greater importance, the authority said.

‘This is especially the case as Guernsey has a very small proportion of woodland cover.’

Its updated guidance was subjected to consultation with various interested parties such as tree surgeons, agents who work on behalf of developers, parish constables and States committees.

Among the points made in the new document are that, where possible, TPO assessments must be made by ‘suitably qualified persons’ and that the orders will not be used to stop or delay development.

Trees that are subject to an order must be managed so that their long-term amenity value is sustained, said the DPA.

‘In some instances, this might require the selective removal of trees so that others can thrive.’

Even if a tree is not subject to a TPO, planning permission is needed to fell one that is within a site of special significance.

DPA president Victoria Oliver said the committee was pleased to provide this guidance.

‘It helps communicate to potential developers the TPO process, including which trees may likely be subject to a TPO on receipt of an application for planning permission. However, I would like to stress that this will not be used to delay developments.’

She said it highlighted the importance of protecting and managing trees, ‘not just in preserving the natural beauty of our island, but also through other benefits such as our own health and wellbeing, providing habitats for wildlife and mitigating biodiversity loss’.

n The guidance document can be found at https://bit.ly/3a75IdQ https://gov.gg/built_natural_historic_environment.