Maple tree removal at Bridge Cottage, Yardley Hastings

What was proposed

The application sought removal of one maple tree to stop its roots entering the sewer system and undermining the house foundations.

“Development: Removal of 1x maple tree to halt the roots entering the sewer system and undermining the house foundations…”

“Proposal Removal of 1x maple tree to halt the roots entering the sewer system and undermining the house foundations.”

Officer report

The site and tree

The mature maple grows in a side garden within the Yardley Hastings Conservation Area and is partly hidden from public views.

“On 11 th May 2026, the Council received a notification under Section 211 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 for the removal of one maple tree in the Yardley Hastings Conservation Area. It is a requirement of Section 211 that the local planning authority is given six weeks’ notice about proposed works to trees in conservation areas. The local planning authority has the option to raise no objections to the proposed works or to make a tree preservation order.”

“The small but mature maple tree is growing in the side garden of the property, which is approximately 27m away from the highway that runs nearest to it. The tree is only partially visible when looking directly towards the property, obscured by surrounding structures and other trees. It is not visible from the wider landscape. For this reason it has low public amenity value and its removal would have a limited or no impact on the character of the Conservation Area.”

Officer report

Why the committee considered it

The notification came to committee because a property owner’s partner is a Council officer and the notifier agreed to await the committee’s consideration.

“Section 211 notifications are normally considered by officers of the council under delegated powers. This particular notification was submitted by one of the property owners, whose partner is co-owner and an officer of the Council.”

“The Monitoring Officer has been made aware of this notification and has confirmed that the application has been dealt with in accordance with the Planning Protocol in the Council’s Constitution. This notification became valid on 11 th May 2026 and the six weeks for the Council to consider it expired on 26 th June 2026. [name withheld], (the notifier), has agreed not to carry out the works until this committee has considered this notification.”

Officer report

Officer advice

Officers recommended no objection within two years, provided the work does not breach conditions attached to any planning consent affecting the property.

“Officers recommend that the committee raises no objections to the proposal provided the work is carried out within two years of the date of the notification and does not breach any conditions attached to any planning consent affecting the property. It is also recommended that the following informative be attached to the decision:”

“All tree works should be carried out in accordance with British Standard BS3998:2010 Tree Works – Recommendations, and undertaken by suitably qualified and insured arboricultural contractors.”

Officer report

Main planning issue

The main issue was the tree’s low public amenity value and whether its removal would affect the Conservation Area’s character.

“The main consideration for this Notification is the maple tree’s low amenity value and that its removal will have a limited or no impact on the character of the Conservation Area.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

No comments were received from the ward member or parish clerk, and no consultees raised objections or other comments.

“Consultations The following consultees have raised objections to the proposal: • None…”

“The following consultees have raised no objections to the proposal: • None…”

Officer report

Public speakers

There were no public speakers on the item.

The committee vote

Councillors voted eight in favour, none against and one abstention on the motion to approve the application in line with the case officer’s recommendation.

“It was proposed by Councillor Christine Ware and seconded by Councillor David Tarbun that application 2026/1987/TCA be approved in accordance with the Case Officer’s recommendation. The motion was put to the vote with eight votes cast in favour of the proposal, no votes cast against with one abstention, therefore the motion was carried, and no objection was made.”

Minutes

The decision

The committee resolved to make no objection, provided the work is completed within two years and does not breach relevant planning conditions.

“(1) That the Council make no objection to application 2025/5037/TCA provided the work is carried out within the required two years of the date of the notification and does not breach any conditions attached to any planning consent affecting the property.”

Minutes