I consider that the proposal would have a detrimental impact on the Corsican pines and that their loss would have an adverse impact on the character and appearance of the area. I consider that my conclusions in this regard outweigh all other considerations and provide compelling grounds to dismiss this appeal.

Findings

I acknowledge that the Council accepts that the scheme can be built without harm to the other trees shown to be retained and that a landscaping scheme can be devised for the site. However, I share residents’ misgivings regarding the success of any scheme given the limited space available. My concerns in this regard, together with my findings regarding the limited amount of usable amenity space add weight to my conclusion that the appeal should be dismissed.

I dismiss the appeal.