14 BLAKE CLOSE, CROWTHORNE, RG45 7LF

Description

TPO 673 - application to fell the Sweet Chestnut tree respresented as T4, previously granted permission in Application No 14/00098/TRTPO for prunning and also potential felling. Comments from the officer then: "'T4 - To keep the new growths away from the house due to the close proximity from the house to this tree T4 Sweet chestnut had been topped to approximately 5m high in the past and it is no more than a standing pole. It has already lost its natural form and has a large amount of epicormic growth on the main stem. The stem attachment of this eppicormic growth is likely to be weak structure and there is potential for branch failure in future as they grew into branches. In this case Ihave no objection to the proposed work. lf a new application was to be submitted, for the removal of T4, it is unlikely to be refused due to the current condition of this tree" On this occasion we request permission for felling this tree to ground. This tree has again in the last 10+ years continued to grow in a disform manner, and is entirely covered with ivy. Additionally, its branches have a tendency to collapse, posing a risk to people and property. Comment from the neighbour at number 12 Blake Close: "I came over around this time last year and we had a chat regarding the dreaded chestnut tree overhanging our front gaden that is now getting back to its biggest size ever since it was last cut back to the trunk. I reminded you that we can no longer park our car that part of our drive as the nuts in autumn damaged our previous car with dents all over the roof and bonnet. Thankfully your previous owners offered to pay for the repairs. It also won't be too long before the branches start to come into contact with our house! You said that you would 'add it to my list of things to do' this time last year. I'm sure that you appreciate both current and impending issues this tree is now causing. Would you be kind enough to provide us an update please as to progress on having this remedied." Likewise, we have also suffered damage to the shed and items usually stored around it. It's branches have reached our property before breaking off. Squirrels use it as a bridge to the roof and have previously damaged for the satellite dish and solar panel cabling. As an additional item, when with leaves between spring and autumn, the tree blocks sunlight into the solar panels located on the property, dramatically reducing the generation potential and with it contributing for unnecessary energy importation from the grid.