Agenda and draft minutes

To consider an unresolved objection to Tree Preservation Order 1350.

TREE PRESERVATION ORDER PANEL – 20 MARCH 2023

Present:  Councillors M Allen (Chairman), P Hogarth and D Holl-Allen.

Officers:  David Acton (Democratic Services), Aisha Khawar (Legal), Jon Hallam and Percival Worsley (Planning), and Keri Hargest (Trees and Woodlands).

Others:  Mrs T Lovell (Objector).

1.  TREE PRESERVATION ORDER NO. 1350 – 178 NORTON LANE, EARLSWOOD, SOLIHULL

The Panel were advised that the Order was made following officer discussions with the home owner of 178 Norton Lane, in respect of ownership and maintenance of an Oak tree on the front boundary adjacent to the footpath and highway, and the home owner expressing a plan to have the tree felled.

One letter of objection to the Order was received, from the neighbour, on the grounds that the tree posed a visibility issue whilst entering or exiting the property using a vehicle, due to increased volumes and speed of traffic along Norton Lane. A picture of the tree and the blind spot it created on leaving their drive was submitted by the home owner.

The Council’s response was that the tree does not significantly affect vehicular visibility splays and that there are currently multiple traffic calming measures in place along the section of highway in question. The speed limit is restricted to 30mph with the added addition of speed bumps, both of which reduce the issues associated with vehicular access to the highway.

The Panel considered the written, pictorial and oral submissions of objection and the responses of the Council’s officers.

Councillors Allen and Hogarth confirmed they had undertaken a site visit and Councillor Holl-Allen advised that she knew the area.

  RESOLVED

In view of the information and advice received, the Panel considered Oak tree (T1) was substantial enough to hinder safe manoeuvres onto the highway and, therefore, created a health and safety concern that would impact on pedestrian and highway users’ safe passage.

Tree Preservation Order No. 1350 was revoked.