BTF response: OBJECT

The applicant has given no reasons for why these trees need to be felled, save to say that the Ash tree is in decline but no expert evidence has been presented to support this contention.

The application should be rejected and, as least as far as the Ash is concerned, a Tree Preservation Order should be made to protect it from future threats. It is in a prominent position and has significant public visual amenity.

Decision:

Consultation complete. The tree forum has objected to the removal of the ash tree and a tree preservation order applied to secure it into the future.

The ash has 30-40% canopy defoliated and dieback due to ash dieback; this nationally prominent disease is predicted to kill in excess of 80% of all ash trees. Due to the advanced stage of decline a tree preservation order is inappropriate. The ash is located on the opposite side of the road to the property and is in a visually prominent location. The tree is in a state of decline and therefore has insufficient merit to warrant a tree preservation order.

The magnolia is located within the side garden and provides a limited visual amenity and has insufficient merit to warrant a tree preservation order.

Although the loss of the ash is not ideal it is necessary due to its state of decline in a high target area over the adjacent highway. The works proposed are acceptable.