| Conditions / Reason for Refusal: |
Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council refuses the works for the following reason(s):
1
Removal
RMBC considers all tree works applications against industry best practice, as detailed in the latest edition of British Standard 3998 and Local Plan policy SP33 ‘Conserving and Enhancing the Natural Environment’ which states that: “The Council can protect individual and groups of trees by the declaration of Tree Preservation Orders where it is important in the interest of amenity and there is reason to believe that trees are under specific threat.”
An application to fell trees covered by a tree preservation order should be accompanied with evidence showing the need for the tree(s) removal. There should be a report showing that the tree(s) health or structural condition is so poor that pruning or other works can no longer retain the tree(s) in a safe condition. As the tree has not been shown to be in poor condition, Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council refuses consent to remove it.
2
Crown reduction by 50%
RMBC considers all tree works applications against industry best practice, as detailed in the latest edition of British Standard 3998 and Local Plan policy SP33 ‘Conserving and Enhancing the Natural Environment’ which states that: “The Council can protect individual and groups of trees by the declaration of Tree Preservation Orders where it is important in the interest of amenity and there is reason to believe that trees are under specific threat.”
The proposed works go beyond the recommendations set out in British Standard 3998:2010 Tree Work – Recommendations, section 7.7.2 and therefore could lead to the decline in the amenity provided by the tree(s) to the local area. Healthy and structurally sound trees are capable of tolerating crown reductions of 30% of leaf volume, which is detailed as approximately 12% of branch length (allowing for variation in species). The proposed works go well beyond this maximum level and as no information has been provided to show special/exceptional reasons (subsidence damage, structural damage to the tree, etc.) for such a level of reduction the works are refused.
Conditions:
1
Consent is granted to the following lesser works.
Sycamore Crown lift the tree to 5.4m above ground level by removing secondary branches over the adjacent highway. Provide a 1m clearance of the adjacent lamp column whilst also crown thinning the tree by 10%.
2
All tree works detailed in condition 1 shall be carried out in accordance with British Standard 3998: 2010, unless otherwise stated in the application.
3
Please note the authorised works should be completed within 2 years of the decision notice otherwise a new application for consent to carry out any non-exempt tree work will be required.
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