Agenda item

Consideration was given to planning application, 23/2192/X, Woodend Court, The Wynd, Wynyard.

Planning approval was sought for works to trees covered by a tree preservation order, which consisted of works to reduce the heights and general shape of a series of trees.

The proposed works had been considered by the Councils Principal Tree and Woodland Officer and overall it was considered that the works proposed were acceptable to ensure the safety and future health of the tree group.

The consultees that had been notified and the comments that had been received were detailed within the main report.

Neighbours were notified and the comments received were detailed within the main report.

The planning policies and material planning considerations that were relevant to the consideration of the application were contained within the main report.

 The Planning Officers report concluded that the application be recommended for Approval with Conditions for the reasons as specified within the main report.

Members were given the opportunity to ask questions / make comments. These could be summarised as follows: -

. When applications were submitted for trees to be felled why could they not be taken down until October?

. Clarity was sought as to when this application had been received.

Officers were given the opportunity to respond to comments/issues raised. Their responses could be summarised as follows: -

. There was a standard condition to ensure the development confiormed to BS3998 and the requirements in relation to the timing of works.

. The proposed application was received by the Council in late November and was put formerly on the public register 19 December, Officers acknowledged that there had been a delay processing the application, however officers were working to clear the backlog.

. Standard advice had been brought out earlier in the year as Planning Officers appreciated there was a backlog of tree applications. Members requested more information on the new advice to share with residents.

A vote took place and the application was approved.

RESOLVED that planning application 23/2192/X be approved subject to the following conditions below;

1. Time Limit

The works hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of 24 months from the date of this permission.

2. Habitat and wildlife

As detailed in BS 3998:2010 Prior to work commencing, the tree and its surroundings should be assessed for the presence of protected species, some of which are subject to season-specific legislation. Any works should be planned so as to limit their potential adverse impact on wildlife generally. The timing of works should take account of the seasonal cycles of the species of fauna and flora concerned (including the nesting habits of birds and the egg-laying habits of insects).

3. Extent of Works

Permission is granted for the works as detailed in this approval. The crown reduction work should adhere to pruning mainly ‘soft growth’ eg under 75mm diameter, on the outer part of the tree crown to reduce overall height and spread but must not include removal of larger structural branches over this size. Branch reductions must also ensure pruning back to suitable junctions to retain sufficient live foliage that will support continued growth/prevent branch die-back. Pruning must be done evenly all round to maintain the tree’s natural form and symmetry. Visible deadwood may be removed as required.

All works must be undertaken to a high professional standard in accord with arboricultural best practice and in line with BS3998: 2010 Tree Work Recommendations.