BTF response: OBJECT

 

Trimming back of Council tree permitted even though the council policy is not to prune its own trees for the reasons given by the applicant - improve light to their garden.

The Tree Officer reported: "No consultation was undertaken as the proposed works are reasonable repeat pruning to trees which do not merit the creation of a Tree Preservation Order at this time. Two objections were received relating to the inaccurate address on the application form and potential damage to the amenity value of these trees. The tree management policy has yet again been raised - the quote 'We do not prune or remove a council owned tree to improve natural light in or to a property, including solar panels.' has be stated. The 'We' in this quote means Bristol City Council will not prune BCC owned trees, however residents can pay a tree surgeon to undertaken these works."

This is a novel interpretation and not one we have seen before - We are not going to prune our trees. but others may.