Oak tree crown reduction at 1 Beechnut Close, Coventry
Summary of planning committee decision
Decided by Coventry Planning Committee on 17 Sept 2026.
What was proposed
The application sought consent to reduce and reshape the crown of a protected mature oak tree by 2 to 3 metres.
“The proposal seeks consent for works to a mature Oak tree which is protected by a Tree Preservation Order (Banner Lane No.1), located within the rear garden of a detached residential dwelling. The application has received one objection and it is recommended that consent be granted subject to conditions.”
Officer report
The site and tree
The tree stands in the rear garden of a detached home and is visible from nearby public viewpoints among established trees and shrubs.
“REASON FOR DECISION The proposed works have been assessed having regard to the adopted and emerging Development Plans and all other material considerations. It is recommended to grant consent subject to conditions as the proposal is not considered to have a negative impact upon the health or longevity of the identified tree and is not considered to cause harm to the special character or amenity value of the surrounding area and landscape.”
“The surrounding area is characterised by a range of mature and established trees, shrubs and other landscape features which make a significant contribution to the local amenity value and character of the area. The crown of the subject tree is most visible from the junction of Beechnut Close and Tilehurst Drive, and partially visible from other surrounding public vantage points such as from Brockhurst Drive and further north along Tilehurst Drive.”
Officer report
Planning history
There was no relevant planning history for determining the application.
“RELEVANT PLANNING HISTORY None relevant to the determination of this application.”
Officer report
Why officers supported it
The proposed works were considered unlikely to harm the tree’s health or longevity or the surrounding area’s character and amenity.
“Impact on character and amenity value of the area In this instance, the upper crown of the Oak tree is partially visible from surrounding public vantage points such as nearby Tilehurst Drive and Brockhurst Drive but the lower crown and trunk of the tree are not highly visible and are generally obscured by surrounding trees, shrubs and other residential dwellings in the locality.”
“Overall, it is considered that the proposed works to the Oak tree (T1) protected by the City of Coventry (Banner Lane No.1) Tree Preservation Order 1993 are considered acceptable as the proposal is not considered to have a negative impact upon the health or longevity of the identified tree and is not considered to cause harm to the special character or amenity value of the surrounding area and landscape.”
Officer report
Consultation and objection
The Tree Preservation Officer raised no objection subject to conditions, while one letter raised concerns about evidence, tree harm, alternatives, amenity and transparency.
“CONSULTATION No objections subject to conditions have been received from: • Coventry Tree Preservation Officer Neighbour consultation Immediate neighbours have been notified; a site notice was posted on 22 nd July 2026.”
Officer report
The committee decision
The committee granted planning consent subject to the conditions set out in the report.
“The Committee considered a report of the Strategic Lead for Planning for a T1 Oak - 2-3m crown reduction and shape (0187/T065), which was recommended for approval.”
“RESOLVED that planning consent be granted in respect of Application PL/2026/0001249/TPA subject to conditions as set in in the report.”
Minutes
Conditions of consent
The works must be completed within two years, follow the approved details and comply with tree-work and biosecurity standards.
“The work hereby approved shall be carried out within 2 years of the date of this consent.”
“The works hereby approved shall only be carried out in strict accordance with British Standard BS3998: 2010 - Tree Work Recommendations, or any equivalent standard. All tree surgery works undertaken must be compliant with current guidance on biosecurity.”
Officer report
Councillors at the meeting
- Angela HopkinsChairLabour
- Shahnaz AkhterLabour
- John BlundellConservative
- Marcus FogdenReform UK
- Stephen GrayGreen
- Julie JonesLabour
- Daniel StaintonReform UK
- Jennifer WellsReform UK
Apologies Antony Tucker Labour
Also attending Naeem Akhtar Labour
Source: Plota analysis of the council's minutes; parties from the council's list of councillors.
Sources
- Coventry Planning Committee minutes, 17 September 2026
- Agenda and papers (council website)
Source: Plota analysis of Coventry's committee minutes and officer report. Quotations are the council's own words; headings and summaries are Plota's.
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See the API →At the meeting
- Committee
- Coventry Planning Committee
- Council
- Coventry
- Date
- Thursday 17 September 2026
- Recommendation
- Officers recommended approval
- Committee decided
- Approved
- Councillors
- 8Labour 3Reform UK 3Conservative 1Green 1Show councillors
- Minutes
- The council's minutes
- Meeting
- Agenda and papers (council website)
- Application
- View application →
- All decisions
- Coventry committee decisions →
This committee's year
25 decisions in the 12 months to this meeting, 1 against officer advice.
Source: Plota analysis of the committee's minutes.