Agenda item

To consider a report of the Head of Planning, Economy and Regeneration regarding this Tree Preservation Order

The Committee had before it * report of the Head of Planning, Economy and Regeneration regarding the above application.

The Area Team Leader outlined the contents of the report highlighting the location of the tree and that it had no owner.  She showed those present photographs from various locations from where the tree could be seen.

Discussion took place regarding:

·         The views of the objector in that the tree was overbearing and there was risk to property and lives should it fall.  The tree had  to be maintained at the cost to local residents.  There were overshadowing issues and the tree was in the wrong place and whether the local authority had a duty of care.

·         How the Tree Preservation Order was served.

·         Some of the residents were in support of the Tree Preservation Order.

RESOLVED that the Tree Preservation Order be confirmed.

(Proposed by Cllr R L Stanley and seconded by Cllr F W Letch)

Notes

i)             Cllrs Mrs H Bainbridge, P J Heal, F W Letch, B A Moore and R L Stanley made declarations in accordance with the Protocol of Good Practice for Councillors dealing win Planning Matters as they had all received correspondence regarding this application;

ii)            Mr Smith (objector) spoke;

iii)          The Chairman highlighted a statement by a supporter on the update sheet.

iv)          The following late information was reported: Representation in support of the Tree Preservation Order

Mrs Rachel Glover, resident in favour of the TPO.

Good afternoon

Firstly, my apologies for being unable to make today’s meeting in person. In my absence, I’ve asked if it is possible for my representation to be read out on my behalf in support of this Tree Preservation Order. Thank you for this opportunity.

I firmly believe that the mature old Oak tree in question is worth preserving for now and for future generations, not only for its beauty but the invaluable contribution it makes to the local landscape.

In addition to providing very necessary screening in the housing development, I would argue that this tree is integral to the character of the area. When I decided to buy my house here, it was important that the surrounding area had greenery and trees nearby – this Oak tree was a key deciding factor.

Without this tree, it will make the area much less attractive by exposing rows of brick houses and increasing noise nuisance. The tree in question is a haven for wildlife in the locality, including bats and many species of birds. It provides the surrounding houses with the wonderful amenity of garden birds and wildlife visiting gardens.

This tree is publically visible in the Padbrook area of Cullompton and its removal would leave a large adverse hole in the landscape.

I accept that the few residents who object to the Tree Preservation Order may find that the tree drops leaves and will block out some light, and that it may need occasional pruning. However, it is a fact that the tree was boldly standing there when we all made the decision to buy our houses. I have no doubt that many other people will share my interest in nature, wildlife and the screening privacy offered by this tree. This will inevitably include future residents who move to this area and, for them, having this tree nearby will be of the same large benefit. How sad if this tree can be so easily felled by the decision of a few current residents, without the need for any consent, when the loss of the tree would impact on so many, both currently and in the future.

In view of all of this, I urge the Planning Committee to decide to confirm this Tree Preservation order – it is a tree with many benefits to the locality and, without being protected by this order, there are likely to be serious negative consequences for this area.

v)             *Report previously circulated copy attached to signed minutes.