A developer has been ordered to stop felling trees on a historic Dunfermline site.
Fife Council was alerted to the concerns of people who found mature trees were being cut down next to Miller Homes’ Victoria Mills development in Pilmuir Street. Locals said the action had spoiled the view from their homes and could have an impact on wildlife.
The council has now told the contractor to stop felling trees while an investigation is carried out.
Kevin Treadwell, of Fife Council, said: “The council received an enforcement inquiry alleging that trees were being felled in contravention of conditions attached to planning permission at Victoria Works in Dunfermline on Tuesday.
“Due to the seriousness of the allegation, an enforcement officer visited the site on the same day and advised the developer to stop felling as they appeared to be in breach of their conditions.
“The council is continuing its investigation and in the event that trees were felled that should not have been, appropriate replacement planting will be required.”
However, Miller Homes said it had done nothing wrong.
Technical director Brendan McShane said: “A number of trees needed to be removed to allow infrastructure works to be advanced in line with the approved development.
“The works are in full accordance with the planning permission granted to Thomas Mitchell Homes.
“Miller Homes is committed to ensuring an ongoing positive relationship with the community. At this time we have temporarily suspended the works in relation to the trees and, as a matter of urgency, we are seeking a meeting with the planning department of Fife Council to ensure the situation is quickly resolved.”
Miller Homes said the development, on the site of the former Victoria Works, will play a major part in revitalising the area.
Anne Marie Britton, sales director for Miller Homes in east Scotland, said: “This is an area that’s definitely undergoing a rebirth, and our Victoria Mills development will be a key part of that renaissance.”
Photo David Wardle.