Tree felling plan is 'excessive', says council

Douglas councillors have come down against plans to remove 70 Scots pines at Skanco Court, in Cooil Road, Braddan.

The application, by Skanco Business Systems, would involve replanting with what the company calls 'more suitable species to act as a screen'.

The council's Policy and Resources Committee believes the loss of so many established pines is unacceptable, and alternative solutions should be considered.

Committee member Stephen Pitts says the main suggestion from the Town Hall is to reduce the number of trees, which would allow protection for new planting for a few seasons (listen to audio file, below):

The application relates to the neighbouring local authority area of Braddan, but Douglas Council was asked to comment because of the number of trees involved.

The issue is down for debate at the monthly meeting of the council this afternoon (Wednesday).