Tree felling plans 'had to meet stringent conditions'

Planning committee says loss of trees is regrettable

Stringent conditions had to be met before planning permission was granted to remove 25 elm trees in St Marks.

That's according to the chair of the planning committee following public concern over the proposals.

MHK Martyn Perkins says the move is to improve road safety following a a crash and a number of near misses on the road and because only seven of the 25 trees are healthy - with 18 of poor quality.

He adds that the loss of trees is regrettable but changes were made to the application to minimise the impact.

More than 300 trees will remain while others will be planted to offset those to be felled.

A petition against the plans has attracted more than 8,000 signatures online, while TV presenter Chris Packham has tweeted his support for saving the trees.

You can find out more HERE.