100 signatures reached
To: David Logan, Head of Legal and Regulatory Support, Argyll and Bute Council, Kilmory, Lochgilphead, Argyll PA31 8RT
Help save magnificent Copper Beech Tree
We wish to make representation to the Planning Authority with respect to Provisional Tree Preservation Order no: 01/24. This Tree Preservation Order (TPO) relates to a healthy, aged copper beech tree (Fagus Sylvatica Purpurea) marked T1 on the request for Tree Preservation Order 2 Upper Colquhoun Street, Helensburgh.
We would like to confirm our support for the protection of this magnificent Copper Beech Tree which adds to the amenity of our garden and the wider Hill House Conservation Area. We recognise that representations in support of this TPO must be received within 28 days from the date of the service of the Notice of the making of the order or the date of publication of the Notice by Advertisement as the case may be.
Why is this important?
At Whincroft (2a Upper Colquhoun Street) we have sought to restore the garden and put back features that overtime have been lost within this important Hill House Conservation Area. We have re-established garden paths and planted 19 new trees in total, a mixture of cherry blossom, japenese acers and fruit trees. I hope you will then come to understand the importance of the mature beech tree to the amenity of our garden. It will take many years for the new trees we have planted to come to a level of maturity that they can be fully enjoyed in our garden and be seen from the street and surrounding properties to contribute to Helensburgh as the ‘Garden City of the Clyde’. We have financially supported the Helensburgh Tree Conservation Trust by sponsoring the planting of 3 pink cherry blossoms on the grass verge outside our property. Trees are important to the CA. Helensburgh has the only urban tree collection included in the National Tree Collections of Scotland in which there are only 23 in the whole country worthy of this accolade.
Council Officers should have
1. Requested a tree survey from the developers at 4 West Lennox Drive at the outset of the application process reference 23/00652/PP
2. Applied a degree of professional scepticism to the applicant’s vague plans for inadequate tree protection instead of blindly accepting them
3. Considered if the west extension warrants development in the first place when it is so obviously going to damage the beech tree and we now believe possibly a large silver birch tree.
4. Discussing what are the sensible options a developer could take to undertake an extension that does not require the tree roots to be severed and could the drain pipe be re-routed away from the tree roots
The value of trees is often difficult to monetise and so often simply ignored by a developer. Some factors that should be considered include:
1. Moderating climates, particularly in urban settings
2. Filtering out pollutants
3. Suppressing noise
4. Providing a feel good factor
5. Providing a key source of shelter and food for wildlife and biodiversity.
6. Adding to the outstanding Hill House conservation area
Any building work, renewed service or new service that runs through the root protection area (RPA) of the beech tree is likely to affect the ability of the tree to function or survive - and to allow a property developer to use a narrative that council officers have failed to adequately challenge requires Councillors and the public to protect this special part of Helensburgh and reject the developers plans.
Help us save this magnificent Copper Beech Tree for future generations!
If you have ever used the post box outside 2a Upper Colquhoun Street, Helensburgh you will be familiar with the sight of the towering copper beech tree in the background which sits over the hedge (to the right of the house Whincroft).
This 22m tree is estimated to be 175 years old and predates the house next to it (completed by A N Paterson in 1915). This ancient tree is part of the Helensburgh Hill House Conservation Area and should automatically have protected status. However, we need your help to ensure its continued survival as the tree roots extend into the property next door and developers’ plans to “frame the spectacular views to the south and west of the site…” with a double story extension that could potentially damage the tree roots, and possibly endanger the life of the tree itself. Please help us by showing your support for the Tree Preservation Order we have lodged with Argyll and Bute Council and sign this petition.
If you feel as we do that beautiful trees such as this deserve protection, please take action and voice your support for Tree Preservation Order 01/24 to David Logan, Head of Legal and Regulatory Support, Argyll and Bute Council, PA31 8RT
