Agenda item

7.1

The Interim Head of Planning submitted a report outlining a response to an objection received to Tree Preservation Order No. 411 which had been made in respect of three lime trees situated on land at 33 Holyrood Avenue. The report stated that the reason given for the proposed removal of one tree and the possible removal of another was because the owner had noticed the appearance of a crack at the base of the property’s side elevation wall near to the front porch. A hump had also been noticed in the lawn and the owner presumed that it was a tree root growing in a direct line between the tree referred to for removal and the crack in the property wall.  A  Building Surveyor from the Authority’s Structural and Public Safety Team found no compelling evidence to suggest the damage had been caused by the trees.  In addition, the objections to the TPO from the property owner related, in particular, to the view that removing the trees would not have a significant negative impact on the local environment and its enjoyment by the public. The development was home to over 200 trees, many of which were on the public open spaces adjacent to Redmires Road and Lodge Moor Road and as well as being more prominent, they also play a much more significant role in the visual amenity of the locality.  In response, it was explained that a Tree Evaluation Method for Preservation Orders (TEMPO) had been carried out by officers, which was a nationally accepted method for assessing trees that were under potential threat of removal. The TEMPO assessment found the trees at the property were suitable for protection and the Order was served to maintain the visual amenity value the trees provide to the local environment by softening and adding character to the housing development’s built form and street scene for the enjoyment of the public.

7.2

The Tree Preservation Order, letter of objection and TEMPO assessment were attached to the report now submitted.

7.3

RESOLVED: That, following consideration of the objection, as now reported, Tree Preservation Order No. 411 at 33 Holyrood Avenue be confirmed unmodified.