Tree felling objections lodged as council to consider housing bid

A housing developer with plans for almost 40 homes on the edge of Barrhead wants to cut down more trees than initially proposed.

- DREW SANDELANDS

Over 40 residents have objected to the proposal which the firm has said is needed to meet the drainage requirements of Scottish Water.

Briar Homes' plan to build 39 homes on land around C-listed Lyoncross House, off Aurs Road, was approved by East Renfrewshire's planning committee last year, despite officials recommending it was rejected.

The company now intends to cut down 16 additional trees and retain 10 which had been earmarked for removal, a council report states.

One neighbour said: "My primary reason for this objection is based on the numerous and irreplaceable benefits trees provide to our environment, local community and even property values."

Another added: "The building of these houses will see the removal of mature woodland which is already extremely scarce within East Renfrewshire and beyond."

Planners say the extra trees can be chopped down, and suggest a condition should be attached to the permission which would ensure six new trees are planted on site to "mitigate the net tree loss".