AN investigation has been launched after the ‘disturbing’ felling of trees above the beach at Portelet, the Environment Minister has revealed.
Deputy John Young said the incident was another example of why ‘greater protection’ was needed for trees in the Island.
Last week, the JEP spoke to the landowners responsible for felling the trees who explained that they were undertaking a branchage as several ‘had begun to lean dangerously over the cliff face onto the beach’.
However, Deputy Young said he was unaware of any ‘issues to do with overhanging’.
The owners denied that they were paid by the apartment residents above in order to allow them to retain their sea view.
‘I have had a number of emails from the public who were concerned about the trees being taken down and so far the report from my officers is that none of the trees were subject to any listing order, so at the moment planning-law powers don’t cover the trees. I have asked for an investigation to look at any potential breach of wildlife law as it is an offence to knowingly destroy any habitats,’ said Deputy Young.
‘I don’t want to see this kind of destruction happening all over the place. It is disturbing and is an example of why we need greater protection for trees.’
Under the Planning and Building (Jersey) Law 2002, Islanders cannot cut down or alter any listed tree without first obtaining planning permission.
However, Deputy Young revealed that all applications to carry out work on protected trees in recent years had been passed – something he called ‘unacceptable’.
He added that his proposed amendment to the Planning and Building Law, which would give better protection of trees in the planning process, is due to be brought before the States by the end of April.
‘This type of incident illustrates why we need this amendment passed. It will give us the tools to control trees and to better protect them. It will put us in a more managed position,’ he said.
‘I am not too sure what advice the landowners have sought before they took these trees down, if any at all.’
St Brelade Constable Mike Jackson said the removal of the trees had created a ‘significant eyesore’.
‘Trees do soften the visual impact of the construction on the cliff face and I was rather hoping that planting would stay around them in order to soften the look on the eye,’ he said.
