Protected tree works at Flat 2 Drummond Gardens, Christ Church Mount, Epsom

What was proposed

The application sought to fell four protected oaks and six protected Lombardy poplars at two locations.

“The proposal is for the felling of four Pedunculate Oaks marked 5, 6, 9 and 12 (within A6 of TPO 126) at Drummond Gardens and felling of six Lombardy Poplars marked 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25 (T99 -T103 and T105 of TPO 284) at Long Grove Park.”

“Felling is proposed as the trees are alleged to be implicated in subsidence damage to the building, and the works are required to prevent ongoing damage to the property. The application seeking consent for the proposed tree work has been submitted by Easton’s, as the Property Block Management Company for Drummond Gardens.”

Officer report

The site and trees

The site includes apartments in wooded communal grounds, beside a significant group of Lombardy poplars in a public park.

“The villa style complex of apartments is set in communal grounds. The grounds have a high density of forest tree cover. In places, the trees appear a little overgrown. The villa architecture and wooded character have a pleasant charm about it. Within the grounds are some notable trees including aged Oaks and Limes. Interspersed between the older trees are Yews, Ash and there are the occasional decorative conifers.”

“The Lombardy Poplars in Long Grove Park date back to Horton Hospital which was built in 1902. Older maps show an orchard on the hospital land adjoining Drummond Gardens in the years after the establishment of Horton Hospital. The Poplars were probably planted as a treescape scheme but also as a screen and shelter belt to the orchard. They are estimated to be about 90 years old and are likely to be a similar age to Drummond Gardens.”

Officer report

Why the works were balanced

Officers linked some trees more strongly to subsidence but considered amenity, heave risk, tree quality and alternative measures before recommending proportionate works.

“In assessing the trees implication in the damage to the property, Officers have taken into consideration the guidance in the Guide to Risk Management Strategies for Tree Related Subsidence Claims (2024) produced by the London Tree Officers. The flowchart for investigation of tree related subsidence has been applied by Officers to this case and is attached to this report at appendix 2.”

“What is of note is that over the monitoring period this corner of the property has moved upwards overall. This would seem to indicate a potential reversal of what has been a historic persistent soil moisture deficit, possibly caused when the tree was younger and more vigorous. A logical explanation for this is that Oak T9, because it is old and lacks vitality now, is retrenching in both root and crown growth.”

Officer report

Consultation and public speaking

No consultation took place, no comments were received and there was no public speaking on the application.

“No consultation occurred and no comments were received.”

Officer report

Who addressed the committee

The Tree Officer gave a presentation, and nobody spoke publicly on the application.

The committee vote

The committee agreed the officer recommendation, with seven members voting for, one abstaining and the Chair not voting.

“Epsom and Ewell Borough Council Officer Presentation: The Committee received a presentation on the application from the Tree Officer. Public Speaking: There was no public speaking on the application. Decision: Following consideration, Councillor Neil Dallen proposed a motion that the Officer recommendation be agreed. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Robert Leach.”

Minutes

The decision

The committee refused four proposed removals and approved six felling works plus crown reductions subject to conditions and informatives.

“PART B APPROVE: - Felling of Oaks T5, T6, T12 and Lombardy Poplars T22, T23 and T24 - Crown reduction of Oak T9 and Poplars T20, T21 and T25 subject to the following conditions and informatives: Conditions (1) Approved works…”

Minutes