Clearing of protected woodland on the coast of the Isle of Wight has been slammed by a local councillor, branding those behind the work ‘irresponsible’.
In the last couple of days, concerns have echoed around Cowes and Gurnard communities as work took place to remove trees and other greenery from woodland opposite The Solent.
The particular bit of woodland being cleared borders both Cowes and Gurnard, on Princes’ and Egypt esplanades, and is protected by a Tree Protection Order and as a ‘Site of Importance for Nature Conservation’.
Local ward councillor and cabinet member for planning, Councillor Paul Fuller, says he is absolutely appalled the work has been carried out and says he has had it confirmed that it has been done without permission. As a result of complaints, the Isle of Wight Council has confirmed it is looking into the works but is unable to comment further due to the live investigation.
Posting on social media, Cllr Fuller has said the council’s tree officer has spoken to landowners SGN’s estates manager and has been told the site is being cleared due to trespassing and the need to make the area safe, reducing the liability if someone was to get hurt. It’s said that there are plans to install a fence around the area to prevent future access.
Speaking about the devastation, Cllr Fuller has said he is shocked it has taken place and is fully behind any enforcement action the Isle of Wight Council may take to rectify the situation. He’s said:
“SGN should know the liability of its land. When I first saw the work taking place, I assumed all the boxes had been ticked and hoops jumped through but this demonstrates how irresponsible they are.”
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The work has now stopped and the matter is being passed on to the council’s planning enforcement team.
Local plant hire company, Reynolds and Read, has stressed it has nothing to do with the ground clearing taking place, it is simply providing a welfare unit for another company after concerns had been raised with them.
So who was the errant contractor? Somebody must have seen them – it took several days.
Name and shame. Nothing to do with any “investigation” and no prejudice to any prosecution. They were either there or they weren’t.
Looks awful, I hope they get a massive fine or have the land taken from them for abuse.
Let’s see some action taken this time. Not the usual ‘I’m appalled’ statement.
Mmmm do I see a planning application on its merry way? A clearance on this scale has nothing to do with trespass or ‘safety’ but most likely ‘oh dear, now that we have inadvertently destroyed this woodland perhaps we should build a few houses.. shame to let a dead woodland go to waste!’ Let’s see if our ‘caring council’ have the cojones to deal with SGN and not let them get away with laughing at us all!
SGN say, the site was cleared because of trespassing and to reduce THEIR liability against claims, and that a fence will be installed to prevent future access…
Why not just put a fence up to start with?
Methinks something does not quite ring true SGN!!
Another example of contractors overriding rules BECAUSE THEY CAN.
Don’t expect the enforcement flaky lot to do sod all, they are not fit for purpose, we have had that lot do nothing over two years of hell here in our area.
A green light to do what the hell you want and act later because it’s so much easier than going through the right channels.
NOT that the right channels with planning are right; we ALL know what planning are like on this Island don’t we.
Let’s hope the planning enforcement acts in a responsible way ??????
No new houses ……..
Re plant TREES…..
More rich privileged weekend sailers,
Thinking that they are above the law, and certain rules don’t apply to them.
If thats what happens when its protected, god help the rest of the island.
the same happened next to aldi in lake
That slope is not exactly stable, this will make it even less stable.
Yes, there’s more afoot here than is being admitted.
I drove along there the other day and had a look, I think its because its the closest point to the mainland and therefore a great place for a slip road for the new dartford bridge