70 Girton Avenue, London, NW9 9UD Data via plota.co.uk

26/2136 - Tree Application - TPO Registered

Proposal

The work planned is to provide maintenance and management of the oak tree in my garden. The proposed works comprise the crown reduction and selective crown pruning of one mature oak tree protected by a Tree Preservation Order. The tree is to be carefully reduced by approximately 15%-20% of the overall crown volume which will equate to about 2.5-3metres, retaining the natural shape and form of the tree. The reduction will be achieved through selective pruning of suitable secondary and tertiary branches, with cuts kept to appropriate growth points and branch unions. The works will include: * A selective crown reduction of approximately 15-20% (2.5metres-3metres) * Reduction of suitable lateral branches by approximately 2.5- 3m, where required to achieve an even and balanced crown. * Removal of dead, dying, damaged and crossing branches where appropriate. * Selective removal of weak or poorly attached secondary branches. * Crown lifting only where necessary, with no excessive removal of lower limbs. * All pruning cuts to be made in accordance with good arboricultural practice and BS 3998:2010. * The natural shape, balance and structural integrity of the oak will be retained. * No more than the minimum amount of live growth necessary will be removed. Reason for the Proposed Works The proposed pruning is intended to reduce the overall crown size and manage the tree's growth while retaining its visual amenity, health and long-term structural stability. The tree is a mature specimen and makes a significant contribution to the local landscape. The proposed works have therefore been designed to be proportionate and sympathetic to the tree, avoiding excessive pruning or unnecessary removal of healthy live wood. The reduction will also help maintain the tree within the available space and reduce excessive end-weight on selected limbs, while allowing the tree to be retained as a healthy and prominent landscape feature. Method of Works All works will be undertaken by a suitably qualified and experienced arboricultural contractor using appropriate pruning techniques. Works will be carried out in accordance with BS 3998:2010 ? Recommendations for Tree Work, with consideration given to the tree's structural condition, wildlife value and surrounding environment. The completed tree will retain a natural appearance with an even distribution of foliage and no excessive or disproportionate pruning. No felling or removal of the tree is proposed. Data via plota.co.uk

View original council record ↗Last checked

Application progress

Received
21 Aug 2026
Validated
25 Aug 2026
Decision
Expected by 20 Oct 2026

This application is under consideration - no decision has been issued yet. Plota predicts a decision around 29 Sept 2026, from Brent's recent tree and landscaping works. Comments are open until 15 Sept 2026.

Comment on this application ↗

Site constraints 4

Article 4 direction
Article 4 for HMOs. Named permitted development rights are withdrawn here.
An Article 4 direction withdraws particular permitted development rights, so work that would normally need no application needs one here. Not every council has published its directions.
Air quality management area: Brent AQMA
The council has declared the area as failing an air quality objective.
Schemes that add traffic, parking or combustion plant are assessed against the area's action plan and may need an air quality assessment.
Council record ↗
Also on the record
Inside the Brent built-up area; Designated open space 36 m away.
Not affected
Outside flood zones 2 and 3 · Not green belt · No listed building at the site

Checked on 11 September 2026. Historic England, the Environment Agency, Natural England and council datasets, Open Government Licence. A boundary can run through a site and the council holds the definitive record: confirm with the council before relying on this.

Work with planning data?

Every application in Brent - and every UK council - as a live feed, an API, or a bulk CSV export.

About Plota's data service

Important details

Council
Brent
Application type
Tree Application - TPO
Postcode
NW9 9UD
Received
21 Aug 2026
Validated
25 Aug 2026
Ward
Queensbury
Case officer
Show
Decision level
Delegated Team Manager
Applicant
Show

Decision outlook

Day 20 of the 56-day target. Brent usually decides tree and landscaping works by day 35.

Day 2036 days to the 56-day target
99%decided within 8 weeks
98%approved
104decided in the last year

Plota live figures for tree and landscaping works decided by Brent in the last twelve months, from validation. Brent decision record →

Public comments

No public comments yet.

Last counted 8 Sept 2026

Read the comments on the council site ↗

Consultation & key dates

Alt. reference
PP-15171785
Comments by
15 Sept 2026
Env. assessment
No
Brent
Planning Authority Score
5.7/10
Average
#113 of 296 councils
Relevant to this application:
Householder decisions

Brent is faster than most councils at deciding householder applications, ranking #91 out of 296. Only 28% of applications have the time limit extended, well below the 41% national average - the council usually decides on time. Householder applications are slightly less likely to be approved here (85%) than the national average (90%).

Faster than most councils
for householder decisions
These figures are council-wide context, not a prediction for this application. View full council performance
Brent decision statistics
Based on MHCLG data, the year to March 2026
78%
Overall approval rate
Below avg (87%) #269 of 296
85%
Householder approved
Below avg (90%) #247 of 296
73%
Decided in 8 weeks
Above avg (63%) #91 of 296
28%
Extended time limit
Below avg (41%) #42 of 296
53%
Minor dwellings approved
73 decided (1-9 homes)
85%
Major dwellings approved
13 decided (10+ homes)
54%
Change of use approved
193 decided
1,963
Total decisions
431 refused in the year to March 2026