SAVE THE TREES
CALLS FOR PINES TO BE SAVED AT SITE OF NEW FLATS FOR ELDERLY
A BID by developers to chop down two 70-year-old pine trees for “no obvious reason” has been slammed.
Contractors building flats for the elderly on the site of the former Plas Glanrafon hotel, Benllech, have asked Anglesey council for permission to cut down the trees which border the site.
But Friends of the Earth is urging the council to save the trees from the chop.
Rick Mills, from the campaign group, said: “As far as we’re concerned, it had been agreed that these trees are healthy and should be retained.
“But suddenly the decision has changed for no obvious reason. What’s the reason for this unnecessary felling of two mature pine trees that make a significant contribution to the skyline as well as having other benefits?”
A spokesperson for Anglesey council said: “We can confirm that an application has been presented to planning services to fell pine trees at the Glanrafon Flats in Benllech.
“A decision on the application will not be made until the trees have been fully assessed by the senior landscape and tree officer.”
But John Weston, who lives in the village, is urging the authority to turn down the bid.
“I can’t fathom why they’d want to cut them down, it doesn’t impede on the development at all as they are on the very fringes of the site,” he said.
“These are perfectly healthy, beautiful pine trees that are a dominant feature in this part of Benllech, and have been for many decades.
“We haven’t even been given a reason why they’re so adamant they’re gone.
“I have no issues at all with the plans for the site, as it will bring positives. But why get rid of this greenery in the process?”
A spokesperson for developers McCarthy and Stone confirmed an application to fell the trees has been submitted, adding: “While we have previously amended our development plans to better accommodate the trees on site, there are still concerns among several parties that these particular trees could present a danger to surrounding properties.”