Proposal: Fell to ground level one common ash (T4) and replace T4 with a Betula Pendula tree. Prune all trees along the exit road that are interfering with the overhead cables and to improve vehicular access to the site (mixed species group - T1, T2, T3, T5 and T6 covered by TPO 5/90 G1) (retrospective) and undertake remedial works to remove poor pruning cuts in higher crown to suitable growth or target prune to main stem/parent branch if necessary (T1, T2, T3, T5 and T6 covered by TPO 5/90 G1)) (Works to Trees subject to a Tree Preservation Order).

Applicant: D Hampshire

Agent: Mr Wayne Elwell of About Trees Ltd

Resolved:-

That CONSENT BE GRANTED for works to preserved trees, subject to the following conditions:

01 The works covered by this consent shall begin no later than two years from the date of this consent.

Reason: To enable the circumstances to be reviewed at the expiration of the period if the consent has not been implemented, in accordance with National Planning Policy Framework (2023), Policies KP2 and CP4 of the Core Strategy (2007), Policies DM1 and DM3 of the Development Management Document (2015) and the advice contained in the Southend-on-Sea Design and Townscape Guide (2009).

02 The works to the trees covered by Tree Preservation Order 5/1990 shall be restricted as per the submitted description to the following:

-        T1 (Fraxinus Excelsior - Common Ash) - remove the lowest 2 branches over exit road to allow for better access (retrospective) and remedial works to remove poor pruning cuts in higher crown to suitable growth or target prune to main stem/parent branch if necessary.

-        T2 (Quercus Robur - Pendunculate Oak) - remove the lowest branch over exit road to allow for better access (retrospective) and remedial works to remove poor pruning cuts in higher crown to suitable growth or target prune to main stem/parent branch if necessary.

-        T3 (Ulmus Spp. – Elm) - remove the lowest 2 branches over exit road to allow for better access (retrospective) and remedial works to remove poor pruning cuts in higher crown to suitable growth or target prune to main stem/parent branch if necessary.

-        T4 (Fraxinus Excelsior - Common Ash) - Fell to ground level and replace with a Betula Pendula tree in northern part of the site.

-        T5 (Fraxinus Excelsior - Common Ash) – remove secondary leader over Rayleigh Road (retrospective) and remedial works to remove poor pruning cuts in higher crown to suitable growth or target prune to main stem/parent branch if necessary.

-        T6 (Fraxinus Excelsior - Common Ash) – remove deadwood and two branches over Rayleigh Road from main stem to 6-7m above ground level (retrospective) and remedial works to remove poor pruning cuts in higher crown to suitable growth or target prune to main stem/parent branch if necessary.

Reason: In the interests of visual amenity, to protect the setting of the Listed Building and to protect the trees and any wildlife, in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework (2023), Policies KP2 and CP4 of the Core Strategy (2007), Policies DM1, DM3 and DM5 of the Development Management Document (2015) and the advice contained in the Southend-on-Sea Design and Townscape 251 Guide (2009).

03 The works hereby approved, including the new tree planting, shall be carried out in accordance with British Standard BS 3998 (2010) by a suitably qualified person.

Reason: In the interests of visual amenity and to protect the trees and any wildlife, in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework (2023), Policies KP2 and CP4 of the Core Strategy (2007), Policies DM1 and DM3 of the Development Management Document (2015) and the advice contained in the Southend-on-Sea Design and Townscape Guide (2009).

04 The proposed remedial works and replacement tree planting hereby approved shall be carried out in line with the specification included within the emails from the agent dated 01/02/24 and 02/02/24 and proposed re-planting site plan. The replacement tree must be a Silver Birch (Betula Pendula) heavy standard minimum 12-14 cm girth. The replacement tree and remedial works must be planted and maintained in accordance with the specification contained within the emails from the agent dated 01/02/24 and 02/02/24. The remedial works must be carried out within 4 weeks of the date of this consent. The replacement tree must be planted within the first planting season following the date of this consent.

If the replacement tree dies, is removed or becomes severely damaged or seriously diseased within five years of planting, it shall be replaced with another tree of the same size and species in a similar location.

Reason: In the interests of visual amenity, to protect the setting of the Listed Building and to protect the trees and any wildlife, in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework (2023), Policies KP2 and CP4 of the Core Strategy (2007), Policies DM1, DM3 and DM5 of the Development Management Document (2015) and the advice contained in the Southend-on-Sea Design and Townscape Guide (2009).

Informatives:

1. Failure to undertake the remedial works for trees T1, T2, T3, T5 and T6 and tree T4 replacement planting all outlined in the description of proposed works and those works to be completed in full accordance with the required timeframe set out in condition 02 above is likely to result in the Council taking legal action to address the harm caused by the unauthorised and poor quality works to the trees in situ.

 2. The applicant is advised that the removal of deadwood to trees T7 and T8 is exempt from the requirement for planning permission.