It is great news that the Woodland Trust Scotland has been successful in securing a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) on two blocks of trees at the heart of the proposed development site at Woodhall and Faskine.
Developers, Orchard Brae, plan five new “villages” on land between the M8, Carnbroe, Cairnhill and Calderbank in North Lanarkshire.
The site is home to greenspace, historical features, ancient woodland and a walled garden - where William Aiton the first Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew served his apprenticeship. All of this will be lost if the plans are approved.
I put the idea of the TPO to the Woodland Trust months ago but it was right that they took it forward as they are the experts.
It will be in place for six months initially but I am hopeful that it will put paid to this whole proposal for good. This is precious greenbelt, critical to the health and wellbeing of local people. I hope this preservation order will halt the destruction of this precious greenspace.
I have secured a debate on this development proposal at The Scottish Parliament on Thursday 8th March at 12:45, immediately after First Minister's Questions.
If you would like to attend you can do so by reserving your ticket for both First Minister's Questions and the debate by using the information contained in this LINK.
Please attend of you can, it's important that we do all we can to stop this destruction of the greenbelt around Calderbank and Carnbroe.
We need to preserve this beautiful woodland for future generations to enjoy.
Remember once the greenbelt is gone it is gone for ever.
The campaign by Save Woodhall and Faskine (SWAF) has attracted both local and national attention in the press.
