Agenda item

DEFERRED

Description of application – T2 Holm Oak - Fell. SUBJECT TO 151 (T3)

Oral representations in objection to the application were received. Oral representations from Ward Member, Councillor Kevin Brooks in objectionto the application were received at the meeting.

Councillor Brooks confirmed that the holm oak tree had been planted in 1848 and that local residents objected to the tree being felled without further investigation.  Being an urban Ward green spaces and trees were important to residents and the Ward and the holm oak tree, along with the other seven trees on the site, enhanced the character of King Willliam IV Gardens.  Councillor Brooks suggested the tree could be better underpinned to retain it and he was concerned that no holm oak roots had been found in the trial pit.  He also suggested that the other seven trees on the site should be considered for tree preservation orders to protect them.

The Chief Planner’s representative confirmed that permission had been granted in 2008 to remove the holm oak tree but it had not been implemented and that some repair work would be necessary if it were to be retained.

Councillors Fawthrop and Turner suggested that the application be deferred and that a decision on this historical tree should not be made in haste.

Members having considered the report, objections and representations, RESOLVED that THE APPLICATION BE DEFERRED, without prejudice to any future consideration to SEEK FURTHER EVIDENCE THAT THE OAK TREE IS CAUSING SUBSIDENCE AND TO EXPLORE FURTHER OPTIONS FOR RETENTION. IT IS ALSO REQUESTED THAT A MEMBER OF THE APPLICANT TEAM ATTEND THE NEXT MEETING OF COMMITTEE TO ANSWER ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS.