Angry response to Penryn development tree cutting plan (From Falmouth Packet)

Angry response to Penryn development tree cutting plan

2:00pm Friday 14th September 2012 in Falmouth/Penryn

PLANS to build nine new homes on land off Truro Hill in Penryn have provoked an angry response from neighbours.

The proposals, put forward by Borough Developments, are for the second phase of the Vinery Meadow development, and would see several trees, including a mature Monterrey pine tree, removed to make way for the new homes.

One local resident, who preferred to remain anonymous, contacted the Packet to register their concerns over the development.

They said: “They did the first phase of the development a couple of years ago, and we accepted that.

“However, these new plans want to cut down the line of trees that exists across the site.

“One of our neighbours has asked to cut down a eucalyptus tree near his house that sways dangerously in high winds, but has been told he can’t do it because of its amenity value to the area.

“Why then do none of these trees have the same amenity value?

“There is also a badger sett on the site, which would be disturbed by any new development.

“I cannot understand why they want to force nine homes onto the site, you could just fit six in there and not remove the trees or disturb the sett.

“There are already so many houses being built at Strawberry Fields, I cannot understand why they need to build on this plot of land as well.

“Surely you do not have to build on every piece of greenery that is available.”

The plans have been given the approval of Penryn Town Council.

Councillor Ted Wilkes, the vice chairman of the authority’s planning committee, wrote to the developers after a meeting at the council earlier this year.

He wrote: “We would like to express our intention to support the application to build nine properties as demonstrated in your pre-application discussion document.

“Having viewed the existing and proposed visuals the committee agreed that the removal of the Monterey Pine tree would not have an adverse impact on the character of the town and we would hope that the forestry officer involved at the planning stage will have similar views to ours.

“We feel that the need for low-cost housing outweighs the retention of the Monterey Pine.”