SKANCO Palm trees

Summary

The requester asked for details regarding a tree felling authorization for SKANCO at Spring Valley to remove two mature palm trees. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture disclosed the application and the licence decision, noting a typographical error in the licence date.

Key Facts

• Tree felling authorization was granted to SKANCO for the removal of 2 mature palm trees at Spring Valley.
• The application was received on 13th October 2015 and processed on 15th October 2015.
• The issued licence (592/15) contained a typographical error listing the date as 23rd July 2015 instead of 15th October 2015.
• Personal information in the documents was redacted under section 25(2) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015.
• The response included reminders about responsibilities under the Wildlife Act 1990 regarding nesting birds and bat roosts.

Data Disclosed

• 2 mature palm trees
• 13th October 2015
• 15th October 2015
• 23rd July 2015
• Licence 592/15
• 21 days
• March-August
• 695740

Exemptions Cited

• Section 25(2) of the FoIA (Absolutely exempt personal information)

Data Tables (1)

Full Response Text

Page 1 of 2

 Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture

  Rheynn Chymmyltaght, Bee as Eirinys

30th October 2017

Dear ,

Request under the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (FoIA) Ref: IM107683I SKANCO Palm trees Thank you for your request dated 20th October 2017
You asked: “I am requesting details of whether a tree felling authorization was given to SKANCO at Spring Valley for the removal of 2 mature palm trees that were located in front of the building on the Left side if looking at the building from the front. This request is for a copy of the decision and application. Thank you.”

Response:

Please find the information you request at:

Application - Appendix 1. Licence 592/15 (“decision”) – Appendix 2.

All personal information has been redacted under section 25(2) of the FoIA (Absolutely exempt personal information)

Please note, the Department has identified a typographical error in the attached paperwork whereby the application was received 13th October 2015 and the form processed and licence issued on the 15th October 2015; however the licence has the incorrect date of 23rd July 2015. This should clearly have stated 15th October 2015 as it would not have been possible for a licence to be issued prior to an application being received.

Freedom of Information
Co-ordinator Corporate Services Directorate, Thie Slieau Whallian, Foxdale Road,
St John’s, Isle of Man, IM4 3AS Tel no (01624) 685854 Fax no (01624 685851 Email: defa@gov.im
www.gov.im

Quoting Ref: IM107683I Your Ref:

Appendix 1 Appendix 2

APPEALS

1. The applicant for a licence may appeal to the High Bailiff against a condition of the licence (other than one relating to replacement of trees), provided that he has availed himself of his right to make oral representations to a person appointed by the Department with respect to the conditions of the licence.

2. Any person having an interest in the land concerned, may appeal to the High Bailiff against a condition relating to the replacement of trees, on any of the grounds set out in section 58 of the Local Government Act 1985 (as applied by section 8(3) of the 1993 Act).

3. An appeal under (1) or (2) above must be brought within 21 days of notification of the conditions.

WILDLIFE ACT 1990

This licence does not remove your responsibilities under the Wildlife Act. You are therefore reminded of the following.

1. You should check for nesting birds prior to works and take particular care in the main March-August breeding period, but please note that some species may nest at other times of year. It is an offence to damage or destroy any nest of a ‘wild bird’ whilst that nest is in use or being built or to destroy an egg of any wild bird. It is also an offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb a bird whilst it is building a nest or is in, on or near a nest with eggs or young, or to disturb any nest, egg or dependent young of such a bird.

You should check for bat roosts prior to works to avoid an offence of intentional or reckless destruction of bats or a bat roost, or disturbance of bats at a roost. Trees with hollows, cracks,loose bark or thick ivy may contain bat roosts. If bats are found or suspected, stop work and contact the Department for advice.

In either of these situations further advice may be obtained by contacting the Department’s Biodiversity Officers (Tel: 695740).