A planning application has been lodged at the new school/college campus site in Dunfermline for additional tree removal over and above what was agreed before at the site. Liberal Democrat councillor for Dunfermline South James Calder is unhappy with these proposals and has expressed his concerns.

Councillor Calder has said,

Many residents had concerns about the access road at the new school/college site and I shared these concerns. Already a large amount of natural area is being lost, including at the Axis Point site nearby, and Dunfermline’s residents are feeling ignored in this whole process.

We live in a climate emergency and face enormous challenges – so removal of trees should be at a minimum.

Perhaps if the unnecessary and environmentally destructive plans to put a new petrol station at this site, next to a school, were removed, removing more trees would be unnecessary.

There needs to be a change in course and a complete rethink. I fully believe that maintaining more nature around the new schools is something that will enhance wellbeing for pupils and residents alike.

*Details of the planning application can be found here.