Councillors have questioned how protected trees on a controversial Brucehill housing development could have been felled accidentally.
More than 30 protected trees within a preservation area were axed as a result of the blunder - with councillors warning that the developers have now lost the trust of the local community.
Representatives for Slate Island Developments Ltd and Miller Homes apologise unreservedly for the “regrettable and wholly unintentional error”, saying it has had no benefit for them, and that they would no longer use the contractors responsible.
Plans for 81 new homes on the site near Carmelite Monastery were approved in March, despite more than 200 objections.
However days later works were halted after trees covered by a Tree Protection Order (TPO) were felled.
Last week we told how those responsible could face an unlimited fine, after being reported to the procurator fiscal by council chiefs.
Speaking on behalf of Slate Island Developments, the developer which has former Rangers FC director Sandy Easdale listed on Companies House as its sole director, Lynsey Breen said: “Firstly and most importantly we want to convey our apologies for the mistaken tree felling which was regrettable and wholly unintentional.
“Throughout the planning submission there were various iterations of the proposal and unfortunately one of the superseded plans was issued to the contractor, which resulted in the incorrect trees being marked for removal.
“There was no commercial benefit at all. It actually caused further delay for our delivery partners, Miller Homes, who are looking to take the site forward.
“This demonstrates that it was a genuine mistake as a result of an administrative error.”
Whilst Paul Macari, land director of Miller Homes added: “Whilst Miller Homes weren’t involved in the on-site operation we have worked extremely closely with WDC to progress the application.
“The felling undertaken was hugely regrettable and served no benefit to the land owner or Miller Homes. In fact it was quite the opposite, the issue has delayed works from progressing.”
If the Tree Preservation Order had been respected just one tree would have been removed, with councillors slamming the developer for their actions.
Labour’s Gurpreet Singh Johal said: “We did a site visit and there were clear markings on the trees that were taken down. Surely the person taking down the trees should’ve seen these marking and asked questions of the developer?”
Whilst SNP leader Karen Conaghan hit out at the impact on the local community, saying: “The report says that the felling has caused real disappointment and upset. I get that our planning officers have been quite measured, but that is a huge understatement.
“This has caused significant anger, resentment and real suspicion. It needs to be addressed so the community can be assured that what’s going ahead is what was agreed, and not just what the developer wanted.”
Lynsey Breen responded by saying that the contractor used to fell the trees would no longer be involved, adding: “Our role as landowner will become pretty much nil and Miller will take on the management going forward.”
