| McDonald says Sue Developers | |
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14 January, 2001 Councillor for Malden Manor, Ian McDonald, has written to the Council Chief Executive pressing for legal action against developers who cut down a wildlife habitat, that was populated by protected species. He has also raised anger at the incompetence of the Conservative Administration for allowing this. Problems started for Broadmead Avenue and Chelsea Close residents, when the developer European Equities plc purchased property at the rear of Broadmead Avenue from Railtrack. While the land is landlocked they also acquired a new home in Chelsea Close which if knocked down will provide road access. Councillor McDonald had earlier raised questions about the land bordering the rail line and had asked if it could be considered for protection in the Unitary Development Plan (UDP) review. However he was informed in public that this land was part of residents' gardens. Developers have now flattened nearly all the trees and attempted to cut down one with a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) on it. However Liberal Democrat Cllr Ian McDonald positioned his body between the developers and the tree. This is not the first time Kingston Council has had problems with the developers, who are well known to the council. Councillor McDonald commented, "it needs to be understood that this woodland contained roosting bats (a protected species), woodpeckers and jays. The devastation caused here is disgraceful. These trees were healthy and indigenous. They were not ornamental and not in danger of falling down". The situation is not helped either by two other events. |
1. Residents and Councillor McDonald are in possession of a signed document dated 22 June 2000 from Kingston Council, which states incorrectly in section 10.2 that no Tree Preservation Orders were on the land. However the existence of any correspondence stating there are no tree preservation orders is denied by Legal Services Head Miss Sue Jackson. 2. Conservative Councillor and Neighborhood Chair David Fraser had previously attended the site and did not use the protected species to save the habitat or delay its destruction, leaving the developers free to cut down every tree except the two with preservation orders. Councillor McDonald has now suggested that there is a clear case of incompetence. "Conservative Councillor Fraser did not even alert ward councillors. As chair of Old Malden Neighborhood he acted foolishly and politically to the detriment of our environment and the local residents". Councillor McDonald is now urging residents to write to the Chief Executive Mr Bruce McDonald (the name is a coincidence) supporting the council in taking legal action with view for pressing for the maximum possible fine. He is also urging residents to support the protection of the land through the UDP, with view to re-establishing the habitat. Residents wishing to write to the the council, can write to: Mr Bruce McDonald, Chief Executive, Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, Guildhall, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 1EU or email Councillor Ian McDonald asking for the letter to be forwarded to the Chief Executive: |
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