The
applicant is an officer of the council closely connected to the planning
process.
If approved at the meeting the application will have taken 3 weeks from receipt to determine.
The
trees subject to this application are located at the immediate west of Silsdon
Road, Shanklin and are positioned on the northern side of the curtilage of the
property.
No planning history in the last 2 years. The need to submit this application relates to a condition placed on a former planning application.
DETAILS OF APPLICATION
The
application proposes the crown reduction of a group of eleven willow trees. The
work is indicated as being precautionary and would reduce the height of the
trees from 80 feet to 60 feet.
DEVELOPMENT
PLAN POLICY
C12
Development affecting trees and woodland
Not
applicable
None
received
Not
applicable
The trees are located on the crest of a hill in a suburban area which, in the absence of a more appropriate adjective, could be described as pleasantly ‘treed’. The willows are a significant landscape feature and offer considerable visual amenity. The species is a significant wildlife host. That said, willow is not a species that always sits comfortably in close proximity to residential properties given its speed of growth and ultimate height. The wood has a tendency to brittleness and, as a riparian species, willow have a very high water demand. These deficiencies as an urban (or suburban) tree can be overcome by sympathetic management. The erection of a garage at some time in the past at number 22 Sibden Road, and the excavations in connection with a patio at number 24 Sibden Road will have caused damage to the roots of these trees. They should be monitored by an arboriculturalist employed by the owners so that any signs of damage can be assessed.
In
coming to this recommendation to grant consent for works to trees consideration
has been given to the rights set out in Article 8 (Right to Privacy) and
Article 1 of the First Protocol (Right to Peaceful Enjoyment of Possessions) of
the European Convention of Human Rights. The impact that the reduction in the
crown of these trees will have on the visual amenities of the area have been
carefully balanced with the need to ensure the longer-term safety and the trees
and the requirements placed on the landowner concern to maintain the trees in a
safe condition. Insofar as there would be an interference with the visual
amenities of the locality, it is considered necessary to grant consent to allow
the applicant to take appropriate care and attention to maintain the trees in a
safe fashion. It is also considered that such action is proportional to the
legitimate aim of the councils Unitary Development Plan and in the public
interest.
JUSTIFICATION
FOR RECOMMENDATION
Please
refer to the evaluation section of this report.
Consent to the works in the terms of the attached letter should be given.
ANDREW ASHCROFT
Head of Planning Services