Shears Close Communal Grounds, Dartford - Land Bordering Shears Close And Oakfield Lane

Awaiting decision 26/00214/TPO
Council
Date received
24 Feb 2026
Date validated
25 Feb 2026
Postcode
DA1 2TL

Description

Application for T1 - Horse Chestnut - (Aesculus hippocastanum) - Mature Horse Chestnut located by entrance gate - Reduce crown by 2-3m (estimated finished dimensions 16m height and 7m spread), reduce away from BT pole to provide minimum 2m clearance. Remove deadwood over 50mm in diameter. Sever Ivy: T2 - Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) - Fell, subject to Tree Preservation Order No.2 1999

4.4/10
Planning Authority Score
#176 of 282

Dartford ranks #97 out of 282 councils for householder decision speed. Dartford is also one of the strictest councils - it refuses more householder applications than almost any other, with only 83% approved vs 90% nationally.

Dartford decision performance
Based on MHCLG data, 2025
80%
Overall approval rate
Below avg (87%) #250 of 282
83%
Householder approved
Below avg (90%) #246 of 282
79%
Decided in 8 weeks
Above avg (71%) #97 of 282
39%
Extended time limit
Below avg (40%) #135 of 282
58%
Minor dwellings approved
50 decided (1-9 homes)
100%
Major dwellings approved
2 decided (10+ homes)
78%
Change of use approved
23 decided
592
Total decisions
120 refused in 2025