The Committee considered a report on proposed work to one Council-maintained Plane tree on Council land at the end of Lancing Close, which was subject to a Tree Protection Order (TPO).  The tree was shown as T12 on plan TPO 29/13 attached to the report at Appendix 1.

The report explained that on 8 August 2025 an application had been received from the Tree Surveyor in Streetscene seeking consent to crown lift (remove/reduce lower branches of) the tree up to 4-4.5m above ground level (application reference PL/25/1128). The reason for the pruning was cited as being that ‘Branches are hanging down low over the adjoining school playground and also some branches are resting on the adjoining garage roofs’.  An indication of the crown lift was shown in Appendix 2 alongside a photo of the whole tree in situ.

The report stated that a public notice had been displayed giving details of the proposed works and would be left for the required 21-day period until 11 September 2025.  It was reported at the meeting that no comments had been received to date. 

The report concluded that the crown lifting proposed was considered to be reasonable management of the tree to alleviate concerns from the school and to avoid damage to the adjacent garages.  The proposed work would not have a significant detrimental impact on the health or amenity value of the tree.  Subject to no substantive objections or comments being received as a result of the public notice, it was recommended that the works be approved.

Resolved –

That the proposed tree works to the Plane tree be approved, subject to no substantive objections being received within the consultation period.