18 Queensthorpe Road, London, SE26 4PH Data via plota.co.uk

Proposal

REAR (boundary 18 Queensthorpe /19 Kingsthorpe Roads): ONE Poplar (T1)(ht.12-15m) FELL to approx.ht.2m (fence height) retaining high stump. Duty to replace applies. REASON: Approximately 125 years old, has recently suffered a significant structural failure and has effectively split into two sections. One half of the tree has already fallen to the ground. In doing so, it has caused significant damage, including the destruction of three gardens, two of which are understood to belong to the Council. The remaining half of the tree is still standing and poses an immediate and serious risk to the residents of 17, 19 and 21 Princethorpe Road, as well as a risk of further damage to their properties, gardens and surrounding structures. In view of the above circumstances, and particularly the recent structural failure of the tree, we consider that the matter requires urgent attention and that the necessary tree works should be undertaken without delay to eliminate or substantially reduce the identified risk. Informative A: the landowner has a duty to plant another tree of an appropriate size and species when a tree is removed in a conservation area because it is dead or presents an immediate risk of serious harm. Section 213 of Town & Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended). Also ref: Tree Preservation Orders and trees in conservation areas guidance, para 121. Informative B: replacement tree planting is hugely appreciated to maintain treed amenity, wildlife habitat, flood mitigation and shade to reduce increasingly high summer temperatures due to climate change; replacement species suggestions: Gleditsia triacanthos, wild cherry, field maple, whitebeam, Bird cherry, Golden Rain tree (Koelreuteria paniculata), Bee-bee Tree (Tetradium daniellii), Turkish hazel, Persian silk tree, common pear, Harlequin Glorybower (Clerododendrum trichotomum), hawthorn, Persian Ironwood (Parrotia persica), Mulberry, crab apple, Quince (Cydonia oblonga), Medlar, Elder, Magnolia. Informative C: huge thank you for retaining high stumps and if possible create habitat log piles with some arisings for wildlife and biodiversity. Informative D: The Bat Conservation Trust advises checking thoroughly for roosting bats before and during tree works with soft fell process followed to proceed with care and leave cut timber grounded over night to allow any bats to make their way out, tree works ideally during Sept/Oct to avoid maternity and hibernation seasons when bats are most vulnerable to disturbance. Data via plota.co.uk