Foster, Dawn

From: Sent: To: Subject:

Harrison, Charles 17 April 2020 09:22 DEFA, Planning 20/00338/B - Police Headquarters and Premises, Dukes Avenue, Douglas

Dear Sir/Madam,

On behalf of the Agriculture and Lands Directorate of DEFA I would like to make the following comments in relation to application 20/00338/B (Police Headquarters and Premises, Dukes Avenue, Douglas)

The grass bank located between the Police Station and Nobles Park, contains some good quality trees with a high amenity value. The 3 trees closest to the proposed parking spaces are 2 small early-mature maples. and 1 semi-mature elm; all appear to be in good health.

It seems unlikely that the proposed development would result in any direct damage to roots but there may possibly be some indirect damage through compaction (caused by movement of plant/machinery, storage of materials etc). This indirect damage could cause decline over a number of year and possibly lead to them being removed sooner than would otherwise be necessary.

For this reason, I recommend that you request a tree protection plan is submitted which demonstrates how the trees and their environment will be protected during construction. This needn't be overly complicated or technical. For example, given the size of excavator that is likely to be used on a job of this scale, the installation of heavy duty protective matting (similar to the ones used as a temporary road in Nobles Park during events) in the area around the trees should be sufficient to prevent damaging compaction occurring, and temporary 'tree boxes' could be constructed to prevent damage to the above ground parts of the tree if necessary. The location of any protective measures to be taken should be added to the site plans and supported by specifications provided in writing.

Once these details are provided, if the application is to be approved, they should be referenced in a condition to ensure that the agreed protection measures are implemented during the construction phase.

Kind Regards

Charles Harrison

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