Agenda item

Application to fell 1 no. Norwegian spruce tree (T1)

Application to fell 1 no. Norwegian spruce tree (T1)

Consideration was given to the report submitted in relation to the above application, a copy of which had been circulated.

J Byers, Planning Team Leader (South and West) gave a detailed presentation on the application which included photographs of the site. It was noted that a site visit had taken place that day.

Mr Thompson, the applicant stated that the report described the tree as having a high aesthetic and amenity value, however he was of the view that it ‘stuck out like a sore thumb’. He accepted that he had planted it 26 years ago and was therefore responsible for the problems he was experiencing.

The tree was in a prominent position and restricted the view of the oldest house in the village. The coach house adjacent to it was a listed building. The tree was now a nuisance and was affecting the lawn in the garden. The house dated to 1720 yet the tree was only 26 years old and situated in a very old village garden. The track between his property and the garden was originally the main road through the village.

He was grateful to Councillor Savory for her support of his application. With regard to the wall adjacent to the public footpath he advised that he had not stated that it was in a state of collapse, but had asked who would be responsible for its maintenance as the tree continued to grow and cause damage.

The tree had grown 6 feet in 3 years and now stood at around 35 – 40 feet.   He used to be able to put Christmas tree lights on it but it was now too high. It also restricted the view from the main road and the garden was going to become a sterile area because of the tree canopy. Nothing was growing around it and he believed that if no action was taken now the tree would become more difficult to fell.

He was also concerned that Officers did not consider that the tree caused loss of light to his property and stated that lighting was badly affected, particularly in the spring and winter months.

He concluded by stating that an attractive house was being dominated by the tree and that if the application was approved he intended to plant a replacement.

In response to questions from Members, Mr Thompson confirmed that he had not realised how high it would grow and that he was not able to lop the branches as this had been a condition of the TPO.

Following further Member questions J Byers explained that the tree contributed to the street scene because of its prominence, however did agree that it was of an unusual type to be the subject of a TPO. Spruce trees were generally found in woodland and were farmed commercially.

In considering the application Members were concerned that loss of light had not been a consideration as it clearly had an impact on Mr Thompson’s property. In addition Members felt that its contribution to the street scene was irrelevant as, being only 26 years old the tree was a relatively new addition to a conservation area.  

RESOLVED

That the application be approved subject to a condition requiring the applicant to replace the tree, with details of its replacement to be submitted to and agreed in writing by the Planning Authority. 

The reasons for the decision are as follows:-

1.                  The tree is reaching an unsustainable height inappropriate for a residential area and is becoming a nuisance;

2.                  The tree’s amenity value is diminishing as it increases in height and its increasing prominence in the street scene is having a negative impact on light levels and the character and appearance of the Conservation Area.

Prior to consideration of the following application Councillor Richardson withdrew from the meeting.