Agenda item

To decide whether to confirm the making of the 18 Station Road, Forest Hall Tree Preservation Order 2021 in light of the representations received.

The Committee gave consideration as to whether to confirm the making of the 18 Station Road, Forest Hall, Tree Preservation Order 2021.

The Council had been notified of the intention to carry out works to an Ash Tree situated in the front garden of 18 Station Road, Forest Hall. In response the Council had decided to make a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) to protect the tree. Notice of the TPO had been served on those people with an interest in the land and two objections to the TPO had been received from the owner of the tree and the next door neighbour. The owner had also submitted two arboricultural reports which were submitted to the Committee. The objections were on the grounds that:

a) the tree is suffering from ash dieback and should be removed;

b) the tree is within Benton conservation area and therefore already protected and no reason to make the tree subject to a TPO;

c) a previous approved application of works to the tree show a record of compliance by the owner of following the due process and appropriately managing the tree;

d) concerns of structural damage believed to be caused by the roots of the tree;

e) the tree is looking increasingly unhealthy;

f) cars are being damaged by sap and pollen from the tree; and

g) the tree is in a dangerous condition and should be felled for reasons of safety because of the risk posed by the tree falling on property and parked cars.

The Committee considered the objections together with the comments 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.

Resolved that the 18 Station Road, Forest Hall, Tree Preservation Order 2021 be confirmed without modification.

(Reason for decision: The Committee were satisfied it was necessary to confirm the Order without modification to maintain and safeguard the contribution made by the tree to the landscape and visual amenity of the area.)