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Hospital Lime trees to stay!

Thursday, 26 January 2012

Guardian reporter Shauna Loughran interviews residents Michael and Jennifer Sloane.

South Antrim Area Planning Office has confirmed that an historic row of Lime Trees rooted at the former Braid Valley site will NOT be felled as part of building plans.
DUP Alderman Martin Clarke first brought the issue to The Guardian's attention when he relayed that building plans for the new Health Care facility at the Braid Valley Hospital may mean the removal of the historical set of trees which have been rooted at the site for many years.
When questioned by the Ballymena Guardian, prior to the planning confirmation, Waveney Brow residents sent out this clear message: "'Leaf' our trees alone!"
Michael and Jennifer Sloan, who live beside the trees, were keen supporters of the campaign to save the trees. They told The Guardian: "Hopefully the trees will stay as they've been there for a very long time.
“There have been issues in the past with fly-tipping at the trees but as long as they remain clean, tidy and trimmed we support the campaign for them to stay.
“It's great to have these historical trees on our doorstep and they are nice to drive by."
Newcomer to the area Lavinia Murtagh said: "I've only just moved to the area but they are an attractive feature and I think it's best to keep the trees where they are."
John and Eleanor Duffin, who enjoy walking their niece's dogs by the trees said: "These trees have been here for as long as we remember so they are a historic landmark in the area. We are against the removal of the trees."
Another local resident said: "I don't want to stand in the way of progress as it is a Health facility which will be beneficial to the people in the area and the Borough.
“It would be different if it was a hotel or a shopping centre and then I would object to the trees being removed.
“I do like the trees though and it would be sad to see them go so I would prefer to see them stay unless it's absolutely necessary for them to go."
However, late last week, South Antrim Area Planning Office confirmed that these unique trees are here to stay!
In a statement to the Guardian, planners said: "The trees referred to are protected by means of a formal Tree Preservation Order which was served on the landowners on the October 8 2007.
“South Antrim Area Planning Office can assure you that the trees are to be protected and retained during and after the completion of all building works.
“Application for the 'Development of new a Health and Care Centre on the existing hospital site and to include associated parking and landscaping' was granted approval on November 1 2010.
“As part of this approval, detailed conditions have been applied to ensure the ongoing and future retention of the row of lime trees."
Alderman Martin Clarke conveyed his delight with the news stating: "I'm glad about the news that a conservation order has been placed on the trees.
“There were some doubts surrounding this and I brought it before council as I wanted to be sure we would not lose these trees.
“It would have been a terrible loss if they were removed. There are not many of these rows in Northern Ireland and it is suspected this may be only one of three. This is great news!"

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