9A Beech Road Aughton Ormskirk Lancashire L39 6SJ Data via plota.co.uk

T/2026/0039/TCA - Works to Trees in Conservation Area Approved

Proposal

The subject tree is a mature Silver Birch (Betula pendula), designated T1, situated in the front garden of the above property within the Aughton Conservation Area, West Lancashire. This notification is submitted under Section 211 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and requests the Council?s consent to fell and remove the tree on the grounds set out below. Ground 1 ? Root Compaction & Structural Damage to Driveway. The extensive lateral root system of T1 has progressively displaced, cracked and undermined the driveway surface and its sub-base. The damage is structural in nature and cannot be rectified while the tree remains, as any reinstatement works would be rendered ineffective by continued root growth. Surface root encroachment has also degraded adjacent lawn and planted areas through physical displacement, root competition and shading. Ground 2 ? Canopy Encroachment. The overhanging canopy extends substantially over the driveway, restricting day-to-day vehicular and pedestrian use of the access. Seasonal deposition of leaf litter, catkins and organic debris creates a slip hazard on the hard standing, particularly in wet and freezing conditions. Ground 3 ? Structural Lean Towards Dwelling (Primary Safety Concern)T1 exhibits a visible and progressive lean towards the dwelling, which stands approximately 4 metres from the base of the tree. Silver Birch is widely recognised in arboricultural practice as susceptible to internal decay and brittle branch failure, often presenting little or no outward warning prior to failure. The combination of proximity, lean and compromised root anchorage presents a credible risk of structural failure capable of causing serious damage to the property or injury to occupants. This risk cannot in good conscience be left unaddressed. Proposed Works- Felling to be carried out in controlled sections by a qualified, NPTC-certificated arborist ?Kieren Treecare? whom which I have consulted on the matter, holding appropriate public… Data via plota.co.uk

View original council record ↗

Application progress

Received
6 May 2026
Approved
12 Jun 2026

Approved on 12 Jun 2026 · Last checked 5 Jul 2026

Important details

Application type
Works to Trees in Conservation Area
Postcode
L39 6SJ
Received
6 May 2026
Validated
6 May 2026
Ward
Rural South Ward
Parish
Aughton
Case officer
Track to view
Decision
Grant Consent for works (TCA)
Decision date
12 Jun 2026

Consultation & key dates

Alt. reference
PP-14911530
Env. assessment
No
West Lancashire
Planning Authority Score
1.4/10
Poor
#284 of 292 councils
Relevant to this application:
Other decisions

West Lancashire is slower than most councils at deciding householder applications, ranking #250 out of 292. The council extends the time limit on 59% of applications - one of the highest rates in England. Expect your application to take longer than the standard deadline. Householder applications are slightly less likely to be approved here (85%) than the national average (90%).

Frequently extends decision deadlines
expect longer than the statutory limit
These figures are council-wide context, not a prediction for this application. View full council performance
West Lancashire decision performance
Based on MHCLG data, 2025
83%
Overall approval rate
Below avg (87%) #238 of 292
85%
Householder approved
Below avg (90%) #246 of 292
45%
Decided in 8 weeks
Below avg (64%) #250 of 292
59%
Extended time limit
Above avg (40%) #262 of 292
76%
Minor dwellings approved
58 decided (1-9 homes)
71%
Major dwellings approved
7 decided (10+ homes)
63%
Change of use approved
30 decided
578
Total decisions
101 refused in 2025