PERSIMMON Homes has been accused of “vandalism”, after Blairgowrie residents counted 137 trees “massacred” to provide drainage for a housing development.
A row of trees has been chopped down on the field opposite the new Gallowbank and Kinloch Brae development just off Dunkeld Road.
Persimmon insisted the work was done in accordance with its planning permission, while Perth and Kinross Council (PKC) said it will take appropriate action if there has been “unauthorised felling”.
Avril Russell told the Local Democracy Reporting Service how she recently awoke to the sound of a chainsaw across the field from her home.
She said: “My husband noticed that several trees were coming down in an incredible rush.
“When he came back from walking the dogs, he said another neighbour had already asked the man with the chainsaw what he was doing. He said he had been told to take down all the trees along the line between Dunkeld Road and Essendy Road.”
In December 2024 the local authority's planning and placemaking committee voted by six votes to four to grant Persimmon Homes planning permission for 152 houses to be “crammed” into a Blairgowrie field despite opposition from all three ward councillors and 94 letters of objection.
Avril was sure the number of trees felled far exceeded what had been agreed by Perth and Kinross Council when granting permission for the Gallowbank and Kinloch Brae development.
She added: “The following day, the same group returned with even bigger equipment and several manager-types in high vis jackets, all standing around on their mobile phones. But instead of cutting any more trees, they eventually packed up and left.
“We count 137 stumps where so many healthy, well-established high-quality specimens, according to the man cutting the trees, used to stand; all to build drainage for houses that have yet to be proposed or approved on that field. We aren’t fooled by business – this is vandalism.”
Another local resident declared it a “tree massacre”.
He added: “In addition to this, the root protection zones around several other trees have been clearly violated. Submitted plans showing 10m protection zones but digging has occurred within 5m of a tree and a 15m zone around one of the oldest trees, yet the earth has been broken within 9.6m of it.”
Blairgowrie and Glens Conservative councillors Bob Brawn and Caroline Shiers are aware of residents’ concerns.
Councillor Shiers said: “These issues have been raised with officers, and I await an update.
“It is essential that developments – when approved – are carried out according to the terms of the planning permission granted. I have always found officers quick to respond to any reported breaches of planning and I am confident they will do so again with regards to these complaints.”
Councillor Brawn added: “Elected members and officers have been made aware of concerns raised by residents around the number of trees being felled and that we are in the bird nesting season.
“Felling of trees within the nesting season is not prohibited except for those with nests in situ.”
He added: “As to number of trees felled, I’m told a site visit is to be carried out to assess numbers against planning permission and thereby establish if any breaches have taken place and appropriate action taken if and where necessary.
“It is important to stress that all complaints are taken seriously and will be investigated.”
Perth and Kinross Council is monitoring the situation and said it will take action if there has been “unauthorised felling”.
A council spokesperson said: “Although a number of trees are to be felled as part of this development, Perth and Kinross Council is monitoring the situation and will take appropriate action if there has been any unauthorised felling of trees.”
A Persimmon Homes spokesperson said: “The tree felling at our Kinloch Brae development has been undertaken in accordance with the planning permission granted by Perth and Kinross Council and is required to deliver essential drainage infrastructure.
“All work has been carried out by a qualified and reputable tree surgeon, following a full survey of the affected trees.
“We understand the concerns raised and have been proactive in engaging with residents and other parties to provide reassurance and clarify the nature of the works.”
