| 2025-08-08 |
Stephanie |
This is a bit of a tree clearance and no mistake. That it should happen at all is a sadness. That it is proposed in these days, and in a Conservation Area, is a disgrace.
The only way to “save” a tree in a Conservation Area is to make it the subject of a Tree Preservation Order, and for those in the back gardens of these two properties this is unlikely to happen as such trees need to be a public amenity, visible to many, and often back garden trees do not qualify.
But for front garden trees it is very different. I have been to see these properties and these trees. Those in the front garden are highly visible and look healthy. They easily merit TPOs and I hope they are given such protection. I see that the Application is a joint one between Nos 2 and 3 Chertsey Road. No.1 Chertsey Road is also being renovated.
Felling the front garden tree T6 as well as the back garden trees could provide ample space for car parking when there are many occupied flats. The loss of the front garden tree (s) T6 would provide access to the rear of the properties.
Are T4 and T5 in the rear garden of No 2 Chertsey Road or No 1 Chertsey Road? It is difficult to tell from the aerial view on Google mapping, and Google Earth is of no more help. The photograph labelled as T6 looks like two trees, and when seen “in the flesh” as it were, it appears to have two trunks. Is it one tree?
Why fell T7 (unless there is an error here and T7 is the tree behind T6). Something that will be made clear to the Arboricultural Officer, I am sure.
If the “full and proper use of the gardens” is in fact using it as a car park that would explain the felling of T6 and all of the trees.
Otherwise having substantial mature trees is a good use of garden space, as the trees provide shade as well as benefit the environment.
T6 is a healthy and prominent tree in the road. Please do not allow it to be felled.
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BTF Planning Awareness Centre