I often feel quite disillusioned by the various new developments proposed or granted permission on this island when there are so many vacant / untidy / derelict areas that really should be filled in first. I also lament the lack of real concern for a forward plan to develop and protect the beauty and natural life of the island (with notable exceptions such as the marine reserves and the Ramsey forest), and this planning permission does nothing to dispel my fears. Too often the edges are chipped away and once a precedent is set, it is easy to allow further destruction of natural habitats.
This elm tunnel at St.Marks is absolutely beautiful and is not a risk to drivers, as suggested. It is beautiful at all times of year but very special in the summer months. We have few enough deciduous trees on this island, and I cannot imagine there can be any sustainable argument for removing the woodland en masse.
If you feel you can support this petition, please do sign it and share with others so that this potential destruction can be brought to the attention of the general public and the IOM government and together maybe we can prevent this irreversible damage from occurring.
Gill's Isle of Man Walks 