A LOCAL woman is concerned about the impact a housing development in Aberdour will have on trees.

As previously reported in the Press, plans are progressing on proposals which could see nearly 200 new homes built by Cala Homes.

Permission was granted after appeal in 2021 for 125 properties at Hillside School - with the existing school to be relocated - and at a consultation earlier this year they outlined plans to up that to 190 homes.  

Mandy Abbott, a resident and nature enthusiast, said this will lead to a loss of trees, some of which have protection orders, with Cala set to cut them down under permissible felling.

She said: “This is the stunning landscape and rich ecosystem at the back of Hillside School that few people ever see, and if plans go ahead will soon be destroyed for housing.

“If we are to protect what we have, for our children and their children, we must speak up and most importantly, we must protect our mature trees before it’s too late.

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“Mature trees help to cool air temperature and clean the air we breathe. The offer to plant three trees for every one removed, is undoubtedly important but cannot compensate for the loss of mature trees.

“It’s like saying ‘I’m just going to remove your lungs and heart and put them on the work top for 20 years, while we try and grow new ones."

She is also concerned on the impact the removal of the trees could have on flooding in the area.

Mandy said: “During the floods of August 2020, several cars were submerged in floodwater in the grounds of the school.

“We can only presume that without these trees, the floods would have been much worse.

“I believe we need to wake up and listen.

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“While new housing is required, this is a tragedy as there are brownfield sites, without mature trees and a stunning eco system, that could be used instead."

A spokesperson for Cala Homes said: “We are dedicated to minimising tree loss on site. Our commitment includes planting a significantly greater number of healthy trees than those removed.

“We’ve consulted with a tree specialist and ecologist, conducting extensive surveys including a flood risk assessment.

"We’re in the early stages of the process and will continue to ensure the relevant environmental procedures are followed.”