To progress with the clearance of trees and vegetation as identified on the attached plan (Appendix A) and referenced below, prior to 1 March 2024:

a)         Three trees near the site entrance on Oxpens Road and the first cedar tree will need lower branches trimmed and limbs removed to provide clearance for construction vehicles to access the site on/around 10 June 2024.  These works are considered the least contentious as the trees will be retained and protected during construction. The trees are indicated as group A on the plan with a pale blue box.

b)         Two groups of established trees, principally willow, to be removed or heavily pollarded to deter nesting, to the south of the ice rink.  These works would need to be undertaken to provide for ground lowering works in mid-August 2024. These trees are indicated as group B with pink boxes on the plan.

c)          A bank of trees on the southern side of the river that need to be removed to facilitate access for site vehicles from the east and to create a haul road by 19 July 2024.  Note: smaller vegetation to include bushes/ scrub would also need to be cleared either side of the path to enable plant to be brought to the site to construct the bridge abutment. These trees are indicated as group C with a green box on the plan.

An inspection of all of the trees selected for works will be undertaken by a suitably qualified person prior to commencement to check for any evidence of early nesting, which would mean that works would not proceed in the vicinity.

These tree works and the associated budget were included as a priced item within the PCSA activity schedule agreed in March 2023.   None of the trees identified for works/ removal are covered by tree protection orders, nor are any further permits or consents required.