Felling a protected oak at 74 Howes Lane, Coventry

The site and tree

The tree is about 200 years old, 20 metres tall and highly visible from surrounding roads and public viewpoints.

“The site contains a mature English Oak tree (identified as T1), situated towards the rear of the garden and protected by the City of Coventry (Howes Lane No.1) Tree Preservation Order 1967. The tree is approximately 200 years of age, 20 metres in height with a broad, well-formed crown extending to around 15 metres in diameter.”

“Due to its visual form, maturity, and position, the tree is a prominent feature within both the site and the wider area. The tree provides a pleasant backdrop to the properties when viewed off Howes Lane, where it visually softens the hard build lines of the dwellings. It is highly visible from surrounding public vantage points, including views from the cul-de- sac and nearby roads such as Howes Lane, Grange Avenue and St Martin’s Road.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

An earlier application for external alterations and a new sloping roof was granted in 2007.

“R/2007/2345 External alterations and new sloping roof | Historic Reference: 30976/A Granted 28/12/2007”

Officer report

Why officers recommended refusal

Officers considered the healthy tree’s public amenity value outweighed concerns about damage, drainage, shading and nuisance.

“However, the submitted Tree Safety Report confirms that the tree is in good overall health and does not provide robust or qualified evidence to substantiate concerns regarding structural instability. The Council’s Tree Officer has also raised no concerns regarding the condition or safety of the tree.”

“Conclusion The proposed felling of this Oak Tree (T1) protected by the City of Coventry (Howes Lane No.1) Tree Preservation Order 1967 is not considered acceptable as it would result in the unjustified loss of a protected tree of significant amenity value, which makes an important contribution to the character and appearance of the area and wider historic landscape.”

Officer report

What people said

Two neighbouring residents supported removal because of the tree’s size, shading, possible damage, safety concerns and seasonal nuisance.

“CONSULTATION Objections received from: • Tree Officer Neighbour consultation…”

“Immediate neighbours and local councillors have been notified; a site notice was posted on 02/04/2026. Neighbour letters were sent on 05/05/2026 2 letters of support for the proposals have been received, raising the following material planning considerations: a) Concerns regarding the size and scale of the tree and its impact on light to neighbouring properties and gardens b) Concerns relating to potential structural damage, drainage issues, and the presence of roots…”

Officer report

Who spoke

A ward councillor, a registered speaker and the applicant attended and spoke in support of the application.

The committee’s decision

The committee refused permission for the proposed works to the protected tree.

“The Committee considered a report of the Strategic Lead for Planning seeking consent to fell one mature English Oak tree (T1) protected by the City of Coventry (Howes Lane No.1) Tree Preservation Order 1967. The application was recommended for refusal.”

“RESOLVED that permission be refused for Application PL/2026/0000448TPA for the proposed works to a protected tree.”

Minutes