Issue - meetings

The Committee received an application to remove a Lime tree opposite 8 Harrison Drive because of its declining condition.

Officers recommended that Planning Committee grant consent for the tree’s removal subject to replacement planting conditions.

The Arboricultural Officer displayed pictures submitted by the Objector as part of her introduction to this item.

The Committee received a representation in objection to the application from a resident of Harrison Drive (written statements read by Committee Manager):

      i.          Suggested that little notice had been given to residents regarding the application being considered by the Planning Committee. Requested item be deferred to the next committee.

     ii.          If the 20 April Committee considered the application, it must be done so on the basis of the latest evidence regarding the state of the tree in question. As it can be seen from the pictures (displayed in Officer’s introduction) the tree was overall healthy and had fresh leaves coming out throughout. As the building works around the tree that were cited as the cause for the tree's decline had also now finished, it seemed reasonable that more time was given to let the tree regenerate and then fully assess the long-term sustainability in due course. Asked that the consideration of this planning application be delayed for an appropriate amount of time on these grounds.

   iii.          As the building works had finished, it was more apparent that the tree in question was given a sufficient amount of space around it and there was some distance between the tree and the new building next to it. The tree in question seemed to have been afforded the same amount of space and distance from the building as the other mature tree in front of the new building. The College has confirmed that it would maintain the tree. Could the College be asked to explain how the setting around these two trees is any different and why is it that one of the trees can be preserved and allowed to grow, despite the new building, while the other is deemed not to have the right setting to flourish? It should be incumbent on the College to protect and save the tree in question.

The Committee:

Unanimously resolved to accept the Officer’s recommendation and grant consent for the tree’s removal subject to the conditions included in the Officer’s report.