Protected tree works at Flat 6 109 Swanston Road, Edinburgh

What was proposed

The application sought to fell two ash trees and prune two others covered by Tree Preservation Order No. 302.

“Application No. 26/00285/TPO Proposal Works to trees covered by TPO no.302: • Fell T1 ash due to poor form. • Fell T2 ash monolith as already dead. • Prune T3 ash by reducing westerly branch of main union fork by approx. 4m to take the weight out of it, due to poor union fork being included. • Prune T4 ash by reducing the branch growing over the telephone wires and seating area back past the fork to the regrowth point.”

Officer report

The officer assessment

Officers considered the revised felling and pruning acceptable because the works addressed poor form, deadwood and weak or obstructive branches.

“PLANNING FRAMEWORK Hull Local Plan 2016 to 2032 Policy 45 – Trees Other Material Considerations:- SPD 10 – Trees National Planning Policy Framework NPPF 15. Conserving and enhancing the natural environment (paras 187 to 201). 187. Planning policies and decisions should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment. PLANNING APPRAISAL TPO no.302 covers a group of 4 ash trees, not including the ‘monolith’ to be removed (labelled as T2 by the applicant).”

“Conclusion Given the evidence presented and the recommendations from the Urban Forestry officer, subsequently accepted and confirmed as the revised proposals by the applicant, it is considered that the felling of T1, removal of T2 and pruning works to T3 and T4 is acceptable. To mitigate the loss of T1, a condition requiring a replacement tree should be secured.”

Officer report

The applicant’s case

The applicant initially cited historic failures, ash dieback, interference with services, surfacing problems and safety concerns in a heavily used area.

“PLANNING HISTORY 25/00358/TC – G1 - Fell 2x ash due to ash dieback, T1 – Crown lift 1 x ash to 5.2m, T2 - Fell ash due to ash dieback, T3 - fell ash due to ash dieback, G2 - mix species - Sever and remove ivy to 1.5m above ground level, Privet hedge - To be reduced to approximately 5ft and pruned in line with the kerb – Split decision (16.05.2025) with TPO no.302 being created to protect G1 ash trees and T1 ash tree.”

“They have started to interfere with services on site due to the lines they are now on. There is evidence of dieback present. The trees have vastly outgrown the area they were planted and are now causing issues with surfacing. With this being a high traffic area the best course of action will be to remove these trees to prevent further issues with H&S on site. There have already been some near misses with branches failing.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A planning officer gave a short presentation on the application.

The committee vote

Councillor Henry moved approval, Councillor Randall seconded it, and the motion was carried.

“Moved by Councillor Henry and seconded by Councillor Randall:”

“That the above application be approved, subject to conditions, as detailed in the Planning Schedule.”

Minutes

The planting condition

The felled protected tree must be replaced under an approved scheme, with planting in the following season and five-year replacement protection.

“(f) (i) Proposals to fell trees protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO), where they are recommended for approval, unless they have been identified as dead, dying or dangerous and felling is supported by the Council’s Arboriculture Section. RECOMMENDATION That the application be approved subject to the following conditions: - 1. The protected tree (T1 of TPO no.”

“The planting of the replacement tree shall be carried out in accordance with the approved scheme and any replacement tree which dies in the first 5 years after planting shall be replaced with another tree of the same species and size at planting (in the interests of avoiding loss of trees and to comply with Policy 45 of the Local Plan). SITE The application relates to a group of ash trees within the curtilage of the Gardeners Arms pub on the south side of Cottingham Road.”

Officer report