National Trust president Mike Brown recently raised concerns that developers were clearing ecologically sensitive land before seeking planning permission.
There has been an increased focus on better understanding the biodiversity of land when it comes to planning as there is increased pressure for more housing.
A biodiversity enhancement statement is now required for any change of use applications involving the change of use of land to an alternative use. Environmental impact assessments can also be needed where developments would affect a Site of Special Significance or protected trees.
Mr Brown said he was worried that developers may be trying to avoid this sort of scrutiny by clearing land.
‘It’s a quiet, cynical tactic, and it’s working,’ he said in a letter to this newspaper.
‘Pre-emptive clearance subverts the spirit of the planning system. Environmental impact assessments can’t account for what’s already been destroyed. Public objections lose force when the trees are gone. Wildlife has no voice, and in cases like this, no time to flee.’
New DPA president Yvonne Burford said she was grateful for Mr Brown for raising the matter.
‘Although the Planning Service is not aware that this is a widespread occurrence, I will be bringing this matter before the DPA to see whether there are any steps that can be taken to further protect our biodiversity while not creating unnecessary barriers to development,’ she said.
‘Once the DPA has discussed this matter I will be pleased to provide an update.’
The matter has been covered in the Guernsey Press when writing stories about applications.
A previously undeveloped St Peter Port woodland was cleared ahead of the 2021 application for housing, which was subsequently rejected, with the planners expressing disquiet over the move.
Permission was later granted for three homes, but with conditions to include a biodiversity area and plant trees.
An application to change the use of agricultural land to allow a St Andrew’s driveway to be built was rejected last year, with the planners noting a number of trees and hedges had been cleared before applying.
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