Prune two oak trees at Robsack Wood, Crowhurst Road, St Leonards-on-sea (adjoining 2 Bedgebury Close)

The site and trees

The trees stood in Robsack Wood beside the rear boundary and were largely hidden from the public highway.

“At the time of theBorough Arboriculturist's site visit, the trees appeared to be in good health and of good structural condition. Constraints Tree Preservation Order (TPO) No 15, W4 Land Owned by Hastings Borough Council Ancient Woodland (Church Wood) Local Wildlife Site (Church Wood) Local Nature Reserve (Church Wood And Robsack Wood) GCN District Licensing Scheme IRZ - Green and Amber GCN District Licensing Scheme Pond Buffer 50m and 250m 2.”

Officer report

Earlier tree work

Earlier applications for tree works near Bedgebury Close and Robsack Wood had received permission with conditions.

“BEDGEBURY CLOSE 5 ENGLISH OAKS, 2 HAZEL, 1 THORN AND 1 CRAB APPLE DecisionPermission with conditionson22/10/93 Application No.HS/TP/93/00323 Description REMOVE DEAD WOOD AND CROWN LIFT TO 4M OVER GARDEN OF 3 BEDGEBURY CLOSE FOUR ENGLISH OAKS AND TWO FIELD MAPLES DecisionPermission with conditionson28/10/93 Application No.HS/TP/93/00607 Description TO FELL 1 DOUBLE STEMMED HORNBEAM AND 1 FIELD MAPLE ADJACENT TO POND TO ALLOW MORE LIGHT ONTO POND AND THUS AID ON-GOING POND…”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the trees’ public amenity value low to moderate and found pruning justified to address encroachment and reduce possible damage.

“Forestry Commission -No comment received The NPPG advises that 'Local planning authorities are expected to determine applications for planning permission, within a time period of 5, 8, 13 or 16 weeks (depending on the type of development).”

“Bedgebury Close, they are largely screened from public view by existing dwellings on Bedgebury Close. As a result, their current public amenity value is considered low to moderate, as such the proposed works are not likely to significantly diminish present level of amenity value. Impact on Amenity of Area / Justification The reasons for the tree works are outlined in the report above.”

Officer report

Questions and answers

Members asked about tree health, nesting birds, the extent of pruning and disposal of the pruned material.

The committee vote

Approval was proposed and seconded, and the committee voted unanimously.

“There being no debate, approval was proposed by Councillor Horn, duly seconded by Councillor Collins, the Chair called upon Members to vote whereupon the Committee:”

Minutes

The decision

Consent was granted subject to a two-year deadline, compliance with BS 3998:2010 and the approved tree location plan.

“To Grant Consent subject to the following conditions:”

“The works shall be completed in accordance with BS 3998:2010 Tree work - Recommendations.”

Minutes

Conditions and advice

The decision included wildlife protections, restrictions on clearance during the bird nesting season and use of a competent tree surgeon.

“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.”

“All work should be carried out by a competent tree surgeon.”

Minutes