| 1. | The Local Planning Authority considers that the Willow tree is in good condition, is of sound health and vitality and without evidence to the contrary. The tree is highly visible and is an important contributor to the street-scene, particularly due to its attractive appearance and cascading within the highway. It makes a valued contribution to the visual amenity of the area.
The supporting information submitted with the application is not considered to contain sufficient evidence specific to the health of the tree nor that the cause of the very slight damage identified to the wall is due to the tree, or whether this would warrant, as a minimum, the felling of the tree.
There is insufficient information submitted to demonstrate that the tree is of such poor health as to likely fall within the highway and risk public safety. Additionally, no arboricultural evidence has been submitted as part of the application to determine whether any other means of tree works such as pollarding could ameliorate the suggested problems associated with the tree.
As such, the application is recommended for refusal as the tree is of good form, contributes positively to public amenity, and provides a significant contribution to the visual amenity of the area. Without evidence to the contrary, it is considered that alternative works could be undertaken to reduce some of the concerns raised in the application. Removing the tree as proposed is therefore not justified. |
