Woodland trees at the centre of a community campaign against a Dumbarton housing development look set to be given protected status.
Councillors will be asked to agree that a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is made to protect trees around Brucehill Cliffs at a planning meeting tomorrow (Wednesday).
It follows concerns by local groups over plans for 85 homes, which they say will see the loss of mature trees along the clifftop and have adverse knock-on effects to the adjacent Havoc meadows nature conservation area.
A ‘Clifftop Coalition’ of community groups in Dumbarton West have joined forces to oppose the development and include Dumbarton West Community Action Group (DWCAG), Friends of Havoc Meadows and Friends of Dumbarton Foreshore.
Slate Island Developments and Miller Homes lodged the planning application last year after the site, which is at the former Notre Dame Convent, was bought by brothers Sandy and James Easdale, owners of the McGill’s Buses firm and former Rangers directors.
Councillor Iain McLaren requested a TPO in August last year, with a provisional order taking effect on September 28.
Legislation requires confirmation of the TPO within six months of this date.
A report prepared by planning officers states that the planning application would require the removal of trees within the area covered TPO.
They say it means their protected status would be a material consideration in the assessment of the application.
It reads: “The TPO includes a mixture of predominantly broadleaved trees, with a significant number of mature and large specimens present.
“The trees form a high quality area of woodland that is prominent in local and wider views, from Havoc Road to the west, Havoc Fields to the south and from within the former convent site.
“Due to their close relationship with the clifftop environment, the trees make a very significant contribution to the visual amenity and landscape character of the area.”
They say the species are indicators of ancient woodland on the site and say their loss could impact on the setting of the nature reserve.
The historic Wallace’s Cave is also set within the cliff, which officers say “form a significant local landmark and popular cultural feature within Dumbarton”.
Five supporting representations have been submitted to the council, as well as an objection from Miller Homes, who have queried the technical competence of the TPO and the merits and basis on which the council was seeking to make the order
