Felling one cedar tree at M360 Limited, West Bridgford

What was proposed

The application sought consent to fell one Cedar of Lebanon tree.

“This application relates to a tree that is subject to a TPO, and is located outside of a Conservation Area. The tree is located at the side of the building which is in commercial use, currently occupied by the applicant’s company; M360 Limited.”

“The proposal is for the felling of one Cedar of Lebanon tree.”

Officer report

The site and tree

The protected tree stands beside a commercial building and car park, alongside the driveway, and is visible from roads, paths and a bridge.

“To the rear of the building is a car park which is accessed via the side driveway running between the building and the site boundary; it is alongside this driveway, at the boundary of the site, where the tree is located.”

Officer report

Earlier tree applications

A previous felling and replacement application was returned as invalid, while earlier tree work consent was granted in 2015.

“26/00267/TPO – Cedar of Lebanon - Fell and replant two suitable trees as replacement along the rear boundary; Invalid Application (application form incomplete and location of the tree to be felled not shown on the location plan) – Application Returned 20.03.2026.”

“15/02264/TPO – Deadwood, lift branches and remove overhanging branch of Cedar; Consent Granted 26.10.2015.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval with two replacement Fastigiate Beech trees because of root damage, potential risks, limited amenity prominence and the tree’s unsuitable location.

“The disruption of surfacing extends right up to the adjacent commercial building, and whilst there is no current sign of damage to building fabric this is a potential issue as the tree continues to grow. The canopy of the tree already overhangs the building and it is often a rule of thumb that a tree’s root protection area will not be smaller than its canopy.”

“Two replacement Fastigiate Beech trees shall be planted in place of the Cedar of Lebanon in the location indicated on the approved "New Hard Planting Area" plan, during the first planting season after the felling of said tree. Prior to the felling of the Cedar details of the size of the replacement trees shall be submitted to, and approved in writing by, the Borough Council, and replacement planting shall then be carried out in accordance with those approved details.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant’s agent and the ward councillor addressed the committee.

What members considered

Members regarded the healthy tree as valuable to the riverside, skyline, public walkway and surrounding character, including as one of a pair.

“Members of the Committee commented on the good shape of the tree and that it appeared to be in good health and noted the significant public beneficial contribution it made to the surrounding area and skyline aspect. The Committee thought that the riverside was a busy public walkway and that the tree contributed much to the character and visual appearance of the area which was of benefit to the public.”

Minutes

The committee vote

The vote to accept the officer recommendation was lost, while a motion to reject it was carried.

“Councillor D Mason moved to accept the recommendation, and this was seconded by Councillor S Ellis and the vote was lost.”

“Councillor R Walker moved to reject the recommendation on the grounds that the balance of public amenity benefit outweighed the health and safety concerns of the tree at this time and this was seconded by Councillor T Birch and the vote was carried.”

Minutes

The decision

Consent to fell the tree was refused, with the detailed reasons delegated to the Director of Development and Economic Growth.

“CONSENT BE REFUSED FOR REASONS THE DETAILS OF WHICH ARE DELEGATED TO THE DIRECTOR - DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH”

Minutes