Re-pollarding 80 lime trees at St Peters Churchyard, Broadstairs

Summary of planning committee decision

Decided by Thanet Planning Committee on 18 Feb 2026.

TPO/TH/26/0015Approved

The site and its trees

The trees are in the churchyard and make an important contribution to the conservation area’s character and appearance.

“The trees are located within the churchyard towards the rear of the church. The trees are highly prominent within the church yard itself and are considered to make an important contribution to the character and appearance of the conservation area.”

Officer report

Earlier tree works

An earlier 2024 application concerned works to cherry, ash, yew, holly and blue spruce trees.

“TCA/TH/24/0151 RNB 27 March 2024 T1 Cherry Tree 30% crown reduction T2 Ash tree needs re-pollarding back to original pollard points T3 Cherry tree crown lift and reduction and canopy by 40% T4 Yew tree trim away from wall T5 Holly tree to fell T6 Blue spruce for branch removal…”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers considered that continuing established pollarding would manage weak regrowth, reduce failure risk and secure the avenue’s long-term retention.

“Trees are important to the character and quality of an area, providing a visual break and relief from built development. They can lend character, in particular to conservation areas, and provide many other benefits, including the provision of natural habitats, the enhancement of health and wellbeing and the improvement of air quality. As such the retention of trees where possible are always sought.”

“The proposal to re-pollard 80 Lime trees follows established management. Once a cycle of pollarding has begun, continuing this technique is essential; regrowth (water sprouts) can be weakly attached and pose a risk of failure if allowed to over-extend. While the works will temporarily reduce visual amenity, the long-term retention of the avenue is better secured through this managed safety approach.”

Officer report

Consultation and public response

A site notice was posted, no concerns were received, and the town council requested inspection by the council’s Tree and Conservation Manager.

“A site notice was posted close to the site. No letter has been received raising concerns…”

“Broadstairs and St Peter's Town Council - Comment: The Planning Committee of the Town Council has considered this application and resolved unanimously that the application be subject to inspection by the TDC Tree & Conservation Manager.”

Officer report

Why the application went to committee

The application was brought before members because it was made by Thanet District Council.

“This application is brought before members as the application is made by Thanet District Council.”

Officer report

The committee vote

Councillor Boyd proposed approval, Councillor Packman seconded it, and the motion was agreed with eight votes recorded.

“Councillor Boyd proposed and Councillor Packman seconded to APPROVE the officer recommendation, for the following proposed works:”

“When put to the vote the motion was AGREED.”

Minutes

The decision

The committee approved the officer recommendation for re-pollarding the three groups of lime trees at established points while retaining knuckles.

“47 No. Lime trees (G1,137 common line) - Re-pollard at established points, retaining knuckles; 2. 18 No. Lime trees (G1, 138 common Line), Re-pollard at established points, retaining knuckles; 3. 15 No. Lime trees (G1,139 common line), Re-pollard at established points, retaining knuckles.”

Minutes

Councillors at the meeting

Apologies Steve Albon Labour

Also attending Tricia Austin Green, Alan Currie Labour

Source: Plota analysis of the council's minutes; parties from the council's list of councillors.

Sources

  • Thanet Planning Committee minutes, 18 February 2026
  • Agenda and papers (council website)

Source: Plota analysis of Thanet's committee minutes and officer report. Quotations are the council's own words; headings and summaries are Plota's.

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At the meeting

Council
Thanet
Date
Wednesday 18 February 2026
Recommendation
Officers recommended approval
Committee decided
Approved
Councillors
11Labour 7Conservative 2Green 2Show councillors
Minutes
The council's minutes
Meeting
Agenda and papers (council website)

This committee's year

66 decisions in the 12 months to this meeting, 2 against officer advice.

Source: Plota analysis of the committee's minutes.

Every decision by this council's committees →