AGENDA ITEM 5

BOROUGH OF POOLE

PLANNING COMMITTEE

25thMarch 2010

OBJECTION TO TREE PRESERVATION ORDER 09/00026

23 CORNELIA CRESCENT

PART OF THE PUBLISHED FORWARD PLAN: NO

STATUS: (STRATEGIC, SERVICE DELIVERY INFORMATION)

1.0PURPOSE

1.1 To advise the Committee that an objection has been received in respect of Tree Preservation Order 09/00026, 23 Cornelia Crescent. The Order was considered by Planning Committee on 11th February 2010 (Appendix 1 refers) but confirmation was deferred pending identification of roots in an adjoining foul sewer (Minute PC81.10 refers).

2.0DECISION REQUIRED

2.1That Members confirm the Order.

3.0 BACKGROUND/INFORMATION

3.1 The owner of the tree requested that a Tree Preservation Order be made, as she was concerned that her neighbour was intending to prune back overhanging branches to the boundary. Such work would be detrimental to the health and amenity value of the tree.

3.2The tree, a Thuja, has been inspected and assessed by the Council's Arboricultural Officer. Its health and condition are good, and it is a visible and prominent tree when viewed from all directions in Cornelia Crescent.

3.3Tree Preservation Order 09/00026 was made effective on15th September 2009 on the following grounds:-

  • This tree makes a valuable contribution to the amenity of the area. It appears to be healthy and in good condition, and is a visible feature from Cornelia Crescent. Protection will prevent possible adverse pruning.
  • This TPO is appropriate in the general interests of amenity and in accordance with part VIII of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, Town and Country (Trees) Regulations1999 (as amended 2008) and the Department of Communities and Local Government's guidance to fulfil a statutory duty.

3.4The protected tree T1 is a mature Thuja approximately 12 metres in height. The tree grows in the front garden of 23 Cornelia Crescent, adjacent to the boundary with 21 Cornelia Crescent, and approximately 7 metres from the front of the property. It appears to be healthy and in good condition, and offers a significant degree of public amenity when viewed from Cornelia Crescent.

4.0 Further Inspection

4.1 Identification of roots in Drain and Inspection Chamber.

A site visit was made on 12th March 2010 the purpose of which was to identify

any roots present to ascertain if they derived from the from the protected

tree or an adjacent Euonymus hedge. Roots present in the inspection chamber

were identified as Thuja.

From photographs and drainagereport supplied by the Objector it is evident that

there are open and displaced joints present in the foul sewer. Roots are likely to

have entered via these defects.The drainage report recommends the installation

of a plastic inspection chamber, the cleaning of the pipe joints by high pressure

water jetting, and the installation of a resin impregnated liner. This work will

need to be undertaken to prevent further blocking of the drain and the leaking of

foul water into the surrounding soil regardless of whether or not the tree is

protected or even present. The new pipe and inspection chamber are made

from materials, and of a design, that will prevent future ingress of roots.

5.0 CONCLUSIONS

5.1 T1 Thuja is a healthy mature front garden tree that offers a significant degree of public amenity when viewed from Cornelia Crescent. Whilst the tree’s roots have caused blockage of the adjacent foul sewer, the necessary repair will prevent future ingress of roots.

Report Author: Steve Chamberlain Arboricultural Officer

Contact officer: Steve Chamberlain (01202 633342)

Background Papers: Appendix 1 Committee Report 11th February 2010

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