Statement from the Planning Committee – Planning Application PA20/01215/B (Creation of new vehicular access on Braaid Road, St Marks)

Chair of the Planning Committee, Martyn Perkins MHK commented; “The application to improve vehicular access to the properties follows a previous collision at the junction and reports of several near misses. The decision to remove 25 trees, seven of good condition and of 18 poorer quality, is necessary to significantly improve visibility and the safety of that section of road, reducing the risk of a serious accident.

Losing any trees is always regrettable, especially Elms, however, following input from the forestry team, the applicant has made changes to their application specifically to minimise the number felled and the vast majority of the avenue will be unaffected, with well over 300 trees remaining. There will be substantial compensatory tree planting which, over the next few years, will achieve a net biodiversity gain for the area.

Trees are an important part of the Island’s landscape and our approach to meeting Net Zero Emissions by 2050, which is why over 100,000 trees have been planted on the island in the last 12 months. The Department continues to work hard to proactively minimise the spread Dutch Elm Disease on the island.”