Pruning three trees at Land at and South of Holmhurst St Mary, (Rear of 6 Westdean Close), The Ridge, St Leonards-on-sea

What was proposed

The application sought one-metre pruning of overhanging branches from two oaks and one holly.

“AGENDA ITEM NO:5 (a) Report to: PLANNING COMMITTEE Date of Meeting: August 2025 Report from: Planning Services Manager Application address:Land at and South of Holmhurst St Mary, (Rear of 6 Westdean Close), The Ridge, St Leonards-on-sea Proposal:2x Oak (T1 and T3) - Prune overhanging branches by 1 metre 1x Holly (T2) - Prune overhanging branches by 1 metre Application No:HS/TP/25/00289 Recommendation:Grant Consent Ward:CONQUEST 2018 Conservation Area:No Listed Building:No…”

“At the time of theBorough Arboriculturist'ssite visit, the trees appeared to be in average health and form. Constraints Tree Preservation Order No 38, W15 Local Wildlife Site GCN District Licensing Scheme Pond Buffer 250m GCN District Licensing Scheme IRZ - Red 2. Proposed development The applicant wishes to carry out the following work: ·2x Oak - Prune overhanging branches by 1 metre. ·1x Holly - Prune overhanging branches by 1 metre.”

Officer report

Earlier tree applications

Earlier applications included permissions for pruning, crown work, felling and removal of overhanging limbs, while one holly-felling application was refused.

“DecisionPermission with conditionson11/05/98 Application No.HS/TP/03/00697 Description THIN CROWN AND PRUNE BRANCHES OF SEVERAL ASH REAR OF 22 CHALVINGTON DRIVE DecisionPermission with conditionson04/09/03 Application No.HS/TP/07/00726 DescriptionPrune branches & remove lower limb to 1 x oak DecisionPermission with conditionson02/10/07 Application No.HS/TP/18/00451 DescriptionTotal removal of overhanging limbs of 2 No. Oak trees within woodland area W15.”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers considered the works justified, consistent with BS3998:2010, and unlikely to harm long-term tree health or landscape contribution.

“The Arboricultural Officer considers the reasons for tree works to be justified in this instance stating that the proposed works to 2x Oak and 1x Holly are unlikely to adversely impact upon long term tree health or landscape contribution.”

“Where the applicant is in doubt they should contact Natural England on wildlife@naturalengland.org.uk Telephone 020 802 61089 or Environment and Natural Resources onparks@hastings.gov.uk Telephone 01424 451107 prior to commencement of any tree works.' And 'The applicant is advised works to trees hereby approved should not be carried out in the bird nesting season if there is evidence of nesting or brooding birds during 1st March to 31st July inclusive, to ensure any works…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Planning Officer presented the application, and Councillors Beaver and Rogers proposed and seconded approval.

The decision and conditions

Consent was granted with a two-year time limit, BS3998:2010 requirements, an approved plan, and wildlife and tree-work notes.

“The applicant is advised that they must ensure the proposed works, hereby approved, do not contravene laws protecting wildlife including the Countryside and Wildlife Act 1981. Where the applicant is in doubt they should contact Natural England on wildlife@naturalengland.org.uk Telephone 020 802 61089 or Environment and Natural Resources on parks@hastings.gov.uk Telephone 01424 451107 prior to commencement of any works.”

“No site clearance or tree or hedge removal shall be carried out on site between the 1st March and 31st July inclusive in any year, unless otherwise approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.”

Minutes