Agenda item

Report of the Head of Planning and Environmental Health

The Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services submitted a report (previously circulated) advising Members of an objection which had been received to the making of a Tree Preservation (No. 6) Order 2018 in relation to one semi/mature Pine (Pinus spp) tree which was growing in the front garden of 1 Church Close, Middleton St George.

It was reported that the tree was in good form and condition with no visible weakness and the tree was highly visible and of high amenity value to the area and was a good example of its species.

The submitted report set out the legal and procedural background to the making of a tree preservation order as set out in the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, together with a summary of the objector’s comments.

In considering the confirmation of the Order, Members discussed the location of the tree and considered that it was in the interest of the amenity of the public for a tree to remain in that position.  They discussed whether the existing tree could be replaced with another tree of a similar heavy standard and the Council’s legal representative advised the Committee of the procedure which would need to be followed by the applicant if the order were to be confirmed.  The applicant confirmed, at the meeting, that he would be willing to make a further application to fell the tree and that he would be happy for any resultant approval to contain a condition requiring him to replace the existing tree with one of a suitable size and species to be agreed.

(In reaching its decision, the Committee took into consideration the views of the objector whom Members heard and the findings of a site visit which had taken place).

RESOLVED – (a)  That Tree Preservation (No. 6) Order 2018 in relation to one semi/mature Pine (Pinus spp) tree, growing in the front garden of 1 Church Close, Middleton St George be confirmed without modification.

(b) That, should a further application to fell the tree be received, it be considered by this Planning Committee.