Agenda and draft minutes

To consider the confirmation of Tree Preservation Order TPO/01310 following receipt of an objection.

TREE PRESERVATION ORDER NO 1310

23 WARREN DRIVE, DORRIDGE

  The Panel were advised that the Order was made following a request from a neighbour adjoining the site, concerned about the loss of other trees in the area.

  A TEMPO assessment of the single Wellingtonia tree was undertaken, recording a score of 16 which sits in the category of ‘definitely merits a TPO’.

  An objection from the home owner was received on the following summarised grounds:-

·  Nobody had assessed the health of the tree;

·  Large trees had been removed in the area for very good reason – entrance to property, roots causing problems, blocking light and safety;

·  The problem when developers leave monster trees in people’s gardens is they become so much bigger than the house;

·  The tree is enormous;

·  Safety concerns;

·  Falling trees have previously killed people;

·  There are no plans to cut the tree down; and

·  The TPO would affect the saleability of the house.

The Council’s response to the points raised in objection to the Order were:-

·  The tree was inspected from the front garden of the property and the canopy did not reveal any known significant health defects, and as such was provided with a conservative retention of 20-40 years;

·  Protecting the trees under a TPO does not prevent future works to the tree (unless the works are deemed to be harmful or without arboricultural merit). If the health status of the preserved tree should significantly deteriorate (as a consequence of clear defects or pathological infections) the Council would not seek to prevent any reasonable management approach;

·  It is the Council’s view that the residential development retained this Wellingtonia tree for the amenity benefits it affords the local community;

·  It is not apparent that there are any significant arboricultural defects associated with this tree. The Council would clearly reconsider this assessment should the home owner be able to provide evidence of any such defect, the TPO would not prevent any reasonable future works to the tree. 

The Panel considered the written submission of the objector and the responses of the Council’s Planning and Urban Forestry Officers. 

  resolved

  That Tree Preservation Order 1310 was confirmed without modification, on the single Wellingtonia tree due to its high amenity value.