Decision details

Proposal Description: Item 13: TG1 Oak of the MWA Arboricultural Report

Works: TG1 Oak of the MWA Arboricultural Report Reduce all oaks to achieve a 70% reduction in crown volume. Prune on a triennial cycle to maintain at broadly reduced dimensions.

Reason: Clay shrinkage subsidence damage at the property.  Please also refer to the Statement of Reasons for Works document submitted with this application.  (See attached specification, Appendix 1)

The application was introduced. During public participation, Patrick Curran, Karen Curran and Councillor Kevin Andreoli (on behalf of Denmead Parish Council) spoke in objection to the application and answered Members’ questions thereon.

Councillor Langford-Smith spoke as a Ward Member. In summary, Councillor Langford-Smith, raised the following points:

·       The application seeks to reduce the crown of four mature oak trees from 70% to 90% which will result in the death of the trees.

·       The council has declared a climate emergency and a nature emergency and she asked the committee to consider not only their significant visual amenity but the contribution the tree’s make to carbon removal and wildlife habitats.

·       The loss of the tree’s will damage the undergrown fungal network meaning the 31 species of mammals supported by oak trees will also lose their homes.

·       She urged the committee to reject the application based on the nature emergency and also as the conservatory was built long after the tree’s were established and without sufficient foundations in place.

The Committee proceeded to ask questions and debate the application.

RESOLVED:

The committee agreed to grant permission for the reasons and subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the Report.

The meeting commenced at 9.30 am, adjourned between 12.57 pm and 2 pm and concluded at 4.40 pm.

Chair