Poor quality trees to be replaced at housing development

Newtown is set to see new trees planted as part of a planned housing development in the town, the county council has confirmed.

Powys County Council is building 32 one-bedroom flats on the site of the former Robert Owen House, with construction being done by J Harper and Sons on behalf of the council.

As part of the development, existing trees that are of poor quality or in poor health will be removed and new trees will be planted to offset the loss to an acceptable level.

The landscape management plans for the development are based on recommendations from an arboricultural report, which highlights the need for a strong scheme for mitigative tree planting for the loss of the existing trees.

Cllr Matthew Dorrance, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for a Fairer Powys, expressed the council's commitment to supporting a greener future for housing estates in the area.

He stated, "We will be removing the existing trees and will be planting high quality, native trees and shrubs as part of this exciting development, which will meet the needs of the local community."

Cllr Jackie Charlton, Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys, acknowledged that the removal of trees can be a sensitive issue for the local community when it comes to new developments.

However, she emphasized the importance of having an appropriate planting scheme in place to maintain local biodiversity and contribute to a greener Powys.

The planting of new trees not only adds to the aesthetics of the area but also helps to create a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly environment for residents.