Issue - meetings

To confirm the following Tree Preservation Orders:

1. 65 Mount View Road, N8
2. 29 Ridge Road, N8
3. Southwood Hall, Wood Lane, N6

The Committee considered the report of the Director of Place and Sustainability which recommended that Tree Preservation Orders be confirmed against trees located at; 65 Mountview Road N4, 29 Ridge Road N8 and Southwood Hall, Wood Lane N6.

• A local resident, Mr Whent, addressed the Committee regarding the confirmation of the TPO at 65 Mountview Road. It was clarified that the tree affected by the TPO in question was that marked T1 in the Committee report and that T2 was not the subject of a TPO. Mr Whent advised that, without correct maintenance, the tree in question could pose a threat to his property, as in the past a significant amount of the tree had fallen into his garden. Mr Whent felt that given this fact, and that the tree was not a rare species, a TPO should not be confirmed.

• Officers advised that it was not possible to add a condition to a TPO requiring adequate maintenance, but that there was a statutory duty in law to ensure that trees were maintained so as not to pose any danger, and that an informative could be added to advise that adequate maintenance be undertaken.

• It was clarified that a TPO did not mean that no works could be carried out on a tree, just that the necessary application needed to be made. It was confirmed that the application process was free of charge, although some concern was expressed that the application process might put people off carrying out works.

On a vote of 5 in favour and 3 against, it was:

RESOLVED

That the TPO against T1 at 65 Mountview Road, N4, be confirmed, with an informative that adequate maintenance to the tree be undertaken.

The Committee advised the objector that the owner of the tree did have a legal responsibility to maintain any tree to prevent it from becoming dangerous, and suggested that he may wish to seek legal advice if necessary to resolve the matter. It was also suggested that he speak to his Ward Councillors.

It was further:

RESOLVED

That authority for the confirmation of the remaining TPOs outlined in the report be delegated to officers.