Frustration as trees felled next to house builder's development in Livingston (2025)

'The trunks with tree preservation order tags were all lying there'

Healthy trees next to a new-build homes development in Livingston have been cut down.

The five mature trees that overlook the new homes in Tarbert Drive, Murieston were felled on Friday, March 28.

A furious resident who lives nearby claimed housing developer, Perella Homes, took the decision because the trees were blocking light into one of the new homes, putting off prospective buyers.

However, West Lothian Council have informed the Courier that the removal of the trees is within the planning consent and more are set to follow.

The trees are the latest issue at the development to hit a nerve with residents living nearby.

Planning permission for the homes was refused by West Lothian Council but that decision was overturned on appeal by the Scottish Government reporter.

The development was granted on appeal in December 2020, however amended plans had to be approved.

Perella Homes were asked by residents to consider building bungalows instead of two-storey homes over concerns about the privacy of neighbouring houses.

Despite revising plans and reducing the number of house designs, objectors pointed out that the site would still invade the privacy of their homes, looming over their back gardens.

The four-bedroomed detached homes are being sold for over £400,000.

The local resident who flagged up the issue with the trees, said: “I live adjacent and heard a horrible noise. These were healthy trees with preservation orders in place. They all have a metal tag with a number on them.

“The trunks with the tree preservation order tags were all lying there. I went straight to the police station and reported it. They were great. And I spoke to Councillor Lawrence Fitzpartick, and I flagged it up to the council’s planning department on the Monday.

“There’s been a lot of issues with the development. To put it into context, there’s a new house where the trees have been felled that backs onto Murieston Trail and the trees were blocking sunlight into the property.

“I’ve spoken to a couple of people who confronted them and they told them they had permission.”

A West Lothian Council spokesperson said: “We can confirm that planning permission was in place covering the felling of trees as part of the planning consent for the development of 18 new homes at Tarbert Drive in Murieston, Livingston.

“The council initially refused planning consent for the housing development and removal of trees on this site. The developer then appealed to the Scottish Minister’s Planning and Environmental Appeals Division, with their appointed reporter granting planning consent.

“The planning permission also covers the felling of other adjacent trees along the pathway to the south of the development site.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “On Friday, 28 March, 2025, we received a report of damage to trees in woodland in Livingston.

“Enquiries are ongoing.”

Perella Homes were approached for comment but didn't respond.

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