Agenda item

23/01097/TF - Work to 1 no. Oak Tree protected under Tree Preservation Order (no.2) 1997 (T.2) - Containment pruning; up to 30% reduction in crown size.

(In making its decision, the Committee took into consideration the Planning Officer’s report (previously circulated), the views of the Council’s Senior Arboricultural Officer, three letters of representation received, and one letter of objection received.)

RESOLVED - That consent be refused.

REASON - The Oak tree (T2) protected under Tree Preservation Order (No. 2) 1997 is in good form and condition and is a highly valuable tree in the street scene, contributing to the visual amenities of the area, and as such remains worthy of protection by a Tree Preservation Order. Without sufficient justification, the proposed crown lift of up to 30% would result in a loss of natural form to a protected tree in acceptable condition with no safety concerns.  The proposed development would therefore have a detrimental impact upon the amenity value of the tree itself and that of the surrounding  area, contrary to Part VIII of the Town & Country Planning Act and The Town & Country Planning (Tree Preservation)(England) Regulation 2012; the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) (2021) and Tree Preservation Orders and Planning Practice Guidance (PPG).