London Plane tree pruning at Abbey Grounds, Dugdale Road, Cirencester

“Tree T32 - London Plane. Reduce back to previous pruning points and crown thin by 10% - to be repeated every three years - at Abbey Grounds Dugdale Road Cirencester Gloucestershire GL7 2EG”

“This application relates to a tree that lies within a parcel of land to the front of 13 Blake Road within the Abbey Grounds, Cirencester. The land is a public open space used as an amenity park.”

“The site lies within the Corinium Roman Town Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM).”

“16/05272/TPO - T32 London Plane. Prune back to the previous crown reduction pruning cuts and up to 500mm beyond if decay is found, into sound wood. Pruning to prevent reoccurrence of subsidence: Permitted 12.01.2017.”

“20/03941/TPO - T32 on plan, London Plane. Reduce tree back to previous pruning points, and up to 1m beyond to ensure cutting into sound and solid wood. Reason: Prevent recurrence of subsidence, insurance request; Reduce back from houses to give 4m clearance from building, including gutter and roof. Reason: General maintenance and prevent encroachment; Remove epicormic growth. Reason: General maintenance; 4.”

“The works are proposed to leave the crown even and balanced. These works are part of ongoing management of the tree to ensure it does not pose a risk to members of the public and to limit any damage to properties, directly or via subsidence.”

“The works would not significantly reduce the size of the tree, nor cause it harm. The positive amenity contribution the tree currently makes to the park would be conserved by the proposed works.”

“Member Questions Members asked questions of the officer, which were responded to in the following way: • Periodic cutting of the trees was undertaken every three years to prevent subsidence or overhanging branch damage to nearby buildings.”

“Member Comments In discussing the application, Members made the following comments: • These trees formed an important buffer within the historic landscape, including near the Norman Arch. • Their preservation was supported, with reliance on tree officers to ensure health amid local flooding conditions.”

“Councillor Ray Brassington proposed accepting the Case Officer recommendation to PERMIT the application and Councillor Julia Judd seconded the proposal. This proposal was put to the vote and agreed by the Committee. RESOLVED: to PERMIT the application.”