Tree works at Adrian Square Gardens, Westgate-on-Sea

Summary of planning committee decision

Decided by Thanet Planning Committee on 17 Dec 2025.

TCA/TH/25/1106Approved

The site and its trees

The trees are in a public open space within the Westgate On Sea Conservation Area and make a positive contribution to its character.

“The trees are situated within the Westgate On Sea Conservation Area, situated in the public open space overlooked by Adrian Square and Westgate Bay Avenue, the trees are a mix of species and various ages and sizes. They form an attractive feature, adding positively to the character of the conservation area. The trees collectively have high amenity value, though some individual trees within the group would be much lower in amenity value.”

Officer report

Earlier tree works

No prior works had been carried out on the trees according to council records.

“Thanet District Council (TDC) records indicate no prior works have been carried out on these trees.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended raising no objection because the works were considered reasonable management for tree health, public safety and access.

“The proposed felling of T591 (plum) and T582 (cherry) is justified as both trees are dead and in close proximity to public areas and structures. The other proposed works, primarily crown raising and pruning, are necessary for maintaining public safety and assisting with future assessments.”

“Considering the public location of the trees, their proximity to the highway and pavements, and the nature of the proposed works, it is not considered appropriate to impose a TPO. The works are reasonable and well justified to ensure health and safety while maintaining the amenity of the area. It is therefore recommended that Members raise no objection to the proposed works.”

Officer report

Responses received

A site notice produced no objections or concerns, while Westgate on Sea Parish Council supported the application.

“A site notice was posted near the site, and no letters of objection or concern have been received regarding the proposed works…”

“Westgate on Sea Parish Council - In support of the Planning Application…”

Officer report

The committee motion

Councillor Rattigan proposed adopting the officer recommendation, and Councillor Britcher seconded it.

“It was proposed by Councillor Rattigan and seconded by Councillor Britcher:”

“THAT the officer’s recommendation be adopted, namely:”

Minutes

The vote

The motion to raise no objections to the proposed works was carried.

“Upon being put to the vote, the motion was declared CARRIED.”

Minutes

The decision

The committee raised no objections to the proposed tree works.

“That no objections be raised in respect of the proposed works.”

Minutes

Councillors at the meeting

Proposed by Councillor Marc Rattigan, seconded by Councillor Leo Britcher.

Also attending Ruth Duckworth Labour, Phil Fellows Conservative, Heather Keen Labour

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

Sources

  • Thanet Planning Committee minutes, 17 December 2025
  • 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 17 December 2025
Committee decided
Approved
Councillors
12Labour 8Conservative 2Green 2Show councillors
Minutes
The council's minutes
Meeting
Agenda and papers (council website)

This committee's year

48 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 →