Gargunnock residents are unhappy over plans to remove mature trees

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Neighbours have expressed dismay over plans involving the removal of mature trees to make way for a house and garage behind secluded back gardens in a residential area of Gargunnock.Currently 15 objections have been lodged in connection with a Planning Permission in Principle (PPP) application for a site, accessed from Stevenson Street, behind Briar Cottage and Haven Cottage on Main Street.They include concerns over loss of privacy due to tree removal, noise and increased traffic during building work, and parking and road safety.According to a report submitted with the proposal, mature trees earmarked for removal are a 45ft-high beech tree and a 26ft-high holly tree as well as between six and ten broadleaved trees around 39ft high described as ‘a sprawling lapsed hedge’ of beech, willow and hemlock.

A 50ft oak tree which stands by private driveway access to the site is also scheduled for removal.Agents for the applicant have described the area – bounded by Drummond Place, Stevenson Street and Main Street – as “neglected” and insist that the plans would “upgrade and improve” it.Gargunnock Community Council are among the objectors to the PPP plans lodged last month.A Haven Cottage neighbour said in a submission: “The rear of the [proposed] property is very close and will look directly into the garden of Haven Cottage.“With the removal of the trees, there will be absolutely no privacy when using the garden.“Due to its elevated position, a 1.5 storey building would mean that the windows in the upper level would look directly into the bedroom to the rear of Haven Cottage.

We have a young family and so this removal of privacy would be intolerable.”He pointed to other plans submitted by the applicant - approved by officers last