AQW 8091/09

Mrs Naomi Long
Alliance Party
East Belfast

Tabled Date: 28/05/2009
Answered On Date: 09/06/2009
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of the Environment whether his Department has sought to obtain the photographs and video footage taken by residents as trees were being removed at 135 Shandon Park, Belfast in pursuance of any enforcement case or legal action in respect of the alleged breach of tree preservation orders at the site.

Answer:

Planning Service had a health and condition survey undertaken of the trees on the site in March 2008. No third party photographic evidence or video footage was requested from the residents by the Department as it has its own information in relation to the removal of the trees.

The enforcement case is still under investigation and the Department is considering its options in relation to prosecution. A replanting scheme has been put in place already.