Agenda item

To decide whether to confirm the 1 Holywell Avenue, Whitley Bay Tree Preservation Order 2021.

The Committee considered whether to confirm the making of the 1 Holywell Avenue, Whitley Bay Tree Preservation Order 2021.

The Council had been notified of the intention to remove one pine tree. In response the Council had decided to make a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) to protect the tree. The TPO had been served on those people with an interest in the land in June 2021.

Three objections to the TPO had been received from the owner of the property and two neighbouring residents. The objections were on the grounds that:

a)    the Council had previously granted permission to remove the tree in 2018 and nothing materially had changed;

b)    the tree is a concern to neighbours based on its safety and aesthetic impact;

c)    the owners reiterated their intention to fell and replace the pine tree with an alternative of appropriate scale and species, which is supported by their neighbours.

d)    The tree is gradually dying and looks unsightly;

e)    Neighbours fear that it will be blown over in strong winds with potential danger to life, property and vehicles;

f)     tree roots in Holywell Avenue have caused serious damage to the footpaths and inflate insurance premiums; and

g)    the tree now spoils the visual amenity of the street.

The Committee considered the objections, together with additional comments received from the resident of 1 Holywell Avenue in which they confirmed their intention to replace the pine tree, which had outgrown its location, with an appropriate alternative in terms of scale and species. The Committee also considered the advice of the planning officers and the Council’s landscape architect before deciding whether to:

a)         confirm the TPO without modification;

b)         confirm the TPO with modifications; or

c)         not to confirm the TPO.

The Committee were advised that confirmation of the Order would not prohibit the removal of the pine tree but it would provide the Council with the means by which to control its removal and replacement. Members of the Committee highlighted the need to clearly communicate the Council’s reasons for making and confirming the TPO to the resident of 1 Holywell Avenue.

Resolved that the 1 Holywell Avenue, Whitley Bay Tree Preservation Order 2021 be confirmed without modification.

(Reason for decision: The Committee were satisfied that it was expedient in the interests of amenity to confirm the TPO because the pine tree is located in a prominent position and an important element of the local landscape and the TPO will provide the Council with the means by which to control its removal and replacement.)