MSP Welcomes Woodland Trust Portincaple Objection
MSP Ross Greer has thanked Woodland Trust Scotland after the charity lodged a strong objection to a controversial planning application at Loch Long.
A plan for 12 houses in Portincaple has drawn over 800 objections on a range of grounds, including potential damage to Atlantic rainforest, impact on the existing community and poor transport access. Neighbours are concerned that the plans will open up a much larger area of woodland for further development. Argyll and Bute Council are still accepting objections to the proposal.
The Woodland Trust’s submission states “The Woodland Trust objects to this application on account of the potential for this development to impact two areas of ancient woodland” and expresses concern about damage due to felling of trees, disturbance of wildlife, the impact of pollution associated with the construction and operation of the development, amongst other issues.
Greer, who has supported local residents by launching an online platform for lodging objections, commented:
“It’s great to have the support of the Woodland Trust in the campaign to protect Portincaple. While some damage has already been done to the woodland on this site, it’s clear that unnecessary housing here will make that a lot worse, threatening a really important habitat and the wildlife present there. I hope that Argyll and Bute Council listen to this substantive and compelling objection.”