MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE REGULATORY APPEALS COMMITTEE HELD AT COUNTY HALL, NEWPORT, ISLE OF WIGHT ON FRIDAY 29 AUGUST 2003 COMMENCING AT 10.00AM

Present :

Mr J R Adams, Mr R C Richards, Mr A A Taylor

Also Present (non voting) :

Mrs B E Foster

10. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

There were no declarations received at this stage.

11. TREE PRESERVATION ORDER 2003/15 – LAND BETWEEN 62 AND 66 CLATTERFORD, NEWPORT

The Chairman welcomed those present to the meeting and introduced the members of the Committee. He then outlined the procedure that the meeting would follow.

The Committee were informed that a Tree Preservation Order was made on four trees on land between 62 and 66 Clatterford Road, Newport. The past and current planning history of the site was outlined. The Order had been placed on the trees because of their very high future and present amenity value.

The Committee was informed that the trees were considered to be worthy of protection because of the effect upon the view from Carisbrooke Castle. This view included many modern properties and the trees, including those contained to the Order, screened these properties from view by those visiting the castle and the surrounding area. The trees identified in the Order would be particularly important in screening any new development and would enhance the site for those living in the new properties.

The Committee noted that T2, Holm Oak, was in fact scheduled for removal under an existing planning consent and therefore could not be included in the Tree Preservation Order.

The local member addressed the Committee and supported the making of the Tree Preservation Order.

Members of the Committee were then able to ask questions. The objector was able to present their case and outlined their reasons for objecting to the Order. The Committee had the opportunity to ask questions.

Consideration was given to possible lopping of the trees and advice was received that to maintain a view would not be sufficient reason to give consent for such work to be carried out.

The Committee then adjourned into private session in order to take legal advice and to consider their decision. Upon reconvening in public, the Committee announced their decision.

The trees identified were of a great present and future amenity to the public and contributed to the landscape. They were visible from the castle area. The Committee balanced the level of amenity to the public against the level of inconvenience to the local residents affected by the trees.

RESOLVED :

THAT TPO/2003/15 with modification to exclude T2 Holm oak be confirmed.

CHAIRMAN