Rotterdam postpones removal of 23 poplar trees amid environmental concerns

The planned removal of 23 healthy, 70-year-old Canadian poplar trees in Rotterdam's Tweebosbuurt neighborhood has been temporarily postponed. The trees, located on Hilledijk, were slated for removal to make way for a new housing development consisting of 230 homes.

Political factions from the Partij voor de Dieren (PvdD) and the Socialistische Partij (SP) have called for a suspension of the felling. They have requested a city council debate on September 3 to address the issue. The parties argue that the removal is unnecessary and irreversible.

Concerns have been raised regarding the impact on local wildlife. New information indicates the presence of nine additional habitats for the common pipistrelle, a protected bat species. The parties are questioning whether the planned works can proceed without violating regulations regarding the disturbance of protected animals and their habitats.