Thraves Beech Close Cobham Surrey KT11 2EN Data via plota.co.uk

2026/1657 - Tree Preservation Order Refused

Proposal

Tree Preservation Order EL: - Proposed Works: Reduce the height of three mature Scots Pine trees (G6 on map) located within the front driveway area by approximately 3-4 metres, to suitable growth points and whilst retaining a balanced and natural shape in keeping with the species. Reason for Works: The trees are approximately 23 metres in height and are positioned in close proximity to the dwelling and garage structures. Due to their size, they are within falling distance of both the property and neighbouring properties. The proposed reduction works are intended to lower the overall sail area of the crowns, helping to reduce wind resistance during periods of severe weather and minimise the risk of branch or structural failure during storms. The works will also assist in maintaining the trees in a safe and balanced condition, improving their overall appearance and supporting their long-term health and longevity. In addition, the trees are located close to existing mains drainage infrastructure. As the trees continue to mature and increase in size, there is concern that further root development could potentially affect the drainage system. The proposed works therefore form part of a proactive management approach to reduce future risks to both the property and underground services while retaining the trees as important landscape features. Data via plota.co.uk

View original council record ↗Last checked

Application progress

✓
Received
7 Jul 2026
✗
Refused
25 Aug 2026
Appeal
Not lodged

Refused on 25 Aug 2026 · Last checked 12 Sept 2026

Site constraints 4

Local nature reserve about 202 m away: Esher Common
Work nearby can need a habitats assessment.
Harm to a protected site is only accepted where there is no alternative and an overriding public interest.
Habitat network: Network Enhancement Zone 2
Where habitat is joined up enough to work as a network. Context, not a constraint on its own.
SSSI about 202 m away: Esher Commons SSSI
Natural England may need consulting, depending on what is proposed.
Sites of special scientific interest are the best wildlife and geological sites in the country. Development likely to harm one is rarely permitted.
Also on the record
Inside the Cobham (Elmbridge) built-up area.
Not affected
Outside flood zones 2 and 3 · Not green belt · No scheduled monument at the site

Checked on 6 October 2026. The pin for this application is the centre of its postcode rather than the building, so distances to nearby designations are measured from the postcode and can be out by the width of the postcode area. 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.

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Important details

Council
Elmbridge
Application type
Tree Preservation Order
Postcode
KT11 2EN
Received
7 Jul 2026
Validated
7 Jul 2026
Ward
Oxshott and Stoke DAbernon Ward
Decision
Refuse Proposed Tree Work
Decision date
25 Aug 2026

How this decision compares

Decided in 49 days from validation, 8 days slower than Elmbridge's median of 41 for tree and landscaping works. Refused, as 12% of tree and landscaping works here are.

97%decided within 8 weeks
88%approved
318decided in the last year

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

Elmbridge
Planning Authority Score
2.6/10
Poor
#247 of 296 councils
Relevant to this application:
Householder decisions

Elmbridge ranks #195 out of 296 councils for householder decision speed. Elmbridge is also one of the strictest councils - it refuses more householder applications than almost any other, with only 79% approved vs 90% nationally.

One of the strictest councils
only 79% approved vs 90% nationally
These figures are council-wide context, not a prediction for this application. View full council performance
Elmbridge decision statistics
Based on MHCLG data, the year to March 2026
77%
Overall approval rate
Below avg (87%) #277 of 296
79%
Householder approved
Below avg (90%) #281 of 296
57%
Decided in 8 weeks
Below avg (63%) #195 of 296
44%
Extended time limit
Above avg (41%) #178 of 296
68%
Minor dwellings approved
195 decided (1-9 homes)
60%
Major dwellings approved
15 decided (10+ homes)
72%
Change of use approved
32 decided
1,358
Total decisions
314 refused in the year to March 2026