Removal of 12 young trees at Land Known As Nest Nursery, The Long Road, Rowledge

What was proposed

The application sought removal of 12 young protected woodland trees to allow access to the site, without proposing access construction.

“Proposal: W1 of TPO No. 26/24 - removal of 12 young trees of beech, oak, sweet chestnut, rowan and holly species from a protected woodland area. The applicant requests the works to allow access to the site.”

“The application An application has been received for the removal of 12 young trees of beech, oak, sweet chestnut, rowan and holly species from a protected woodland area. The applicant requests the works to allow access to the site.”

Officer report

Protection history

The woodland received tree protection in November 2024, later modified to cover only the distinct southern section.

“Relevant planning history The woodland was afforded protection on 21 st November 2024 due to concerns that the trees were potentially at threat from possible future changes in land use. The Order was confirmed with modification on 20 th…”

“May 2025. The modification decreased in extent the protected woodland area to solely afford protection to the distinct southern section of woodland at the site as the northern section did not have sufficient quality or public amenity to warrant TPO protection.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended consent because the trees were young and removal would not materially harm woodland character, amenity or ecosystem services.

“PLANNING CONSIDERATION AND JUSTIFCATION FOR RECOMMENDATION 1. Introduction An application has been received for the removal of 12 young trees of beech, oak, sweet chestnut, rowan and holly species from a protected woodland area. The applicant requests the works to allow access to the site. Prior to validation, the applicant confirmed that the application is solely for the removal of the identified trees rather than for any construction activities related to access creation.”

“Officer site visit: • The identified trees are young, with small stem diameters and limited prominence in the woodland. • Their removal is not considered to materially detract from the character or amenity value of the woodland. • Associated ecosystem services are not significantly impacted given the scale of the works. Forestry Act considerations: • The small size and timber volume of the trees place the works below felling licence thresholds under the Forestry Act 1967.”

Officer report

What people said

Eleven objectors raised concerns about wildlife, ecosystem services, future development, environmental protections, missing evidence and neighbourhood effects.

“Erosion of environmental protections – fear of precedent and weakening of TPO protections. • Hidden development motives – suspicion that access creation facilitates future residential development. • Deficiencies in the application – absence of arboricultural evidence, ecological surveys, or replanting proposals. • Neighbour and community impacts – concerns over noise, disturbance, privacy, and erosion of the area’s character. 3.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A supporter made representations under the public speaking scheme.

The committee vote

The committee voted to grant the application with 11 votes in favour, none against and no abstentions.

“Following the debate the Committee voted to GRANT the application, 11 in favour, none against and no abstentions.”

Minutes

The decision

Consent was granted subject to condition 1 and informatives 1 to 6.

“Subject to condtion 1 and Informatives 1-6 consent be GRANTED.”

Minutes