The chairman of the planning committee has defended a decision to give permission to axe elm trees in the south of the island.

On social media last night, the Manx Wildlife Trust and TV naturalist Chris Packham led criticism of a decision to allow the felling of 25 elms.

Since then online petitions have been set up and politicians weighed in to say the trees should saved.

Planning committee chairman Martyn Perkins MHK said: ’The request centres on improving road safety, which the planning committee cannot ignore.’

He added: ’The planning application seeks to improve vehicular access to the properties off of the Braaid Road. It follows a previous collision at the junction and reports of several near misses.

’Removing the trees and creating a new access is necessary to significantly improve visibility and the safety of that section of road, reducing the risk of a serious accident. Of the 25 trees to be removed, seven are of good condition and 18 are of poorer quality.

’The loss of any tree is always regrettable, especially elms, however, following input from the forestry team, the applicant has made changes to their application specifically to minimise the number of trees to be removed.

’The vast majority of the avenue will be unaffected, with well over 300 trees remaining. There will be substantial compensatory tree planting which, over the next few years, will achieve a net biodiversity gain for the area.’