Douglas North MHKs David Ashford and John Wannenburgh have written to the Leader of Douglas Council seeking clarity on the reinstatement of Ballanard Green and the future of the Willaston estate refurbishment compound.
The recreational area at the bottom of the Willaston estate was recently cleared of trees, leaving the land “significantly churned up” and “unsightly,” according to the MHKs.
While Councillor Folk Horning provided a timetable for stump grinding, fencing, and levelling, the MHKs’ letter raises several outstanding questions.
When?
They are seeking confirmation on when reseeding will actually take place and whether the stump grinding process will include dealing with root systems to ensure new trees establish properly.
The letter also questions whether replacement trees will be planted in the same positions as those removed and seeks exact figures on how many trees have been removed and how many will be planted.
Regarding the proposed relocation of the Willaston estate refurbishment compound onto the recreational area, the MHKs noted this has caused “considerable anxiety among residents.”
“Is it still the Council’s intention to proceed with relocating the compound onto the recreational area and, if so, what timescales is the Council working to for the submission of any planning application?” the letter asks.
The MHKs have requested that if the application proceeds, all surrounding residents be notified in line with “the Council’s previous undertakings to engage constructively with residents”.
