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BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCIL
LICENSING AND APPEALS COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE LICENSING AND APPEALS COMMITTEE (TREES) HELD IN THE CHURCH HALL, SPROUGHTON ON MONDAY 1 AUGUST 2005
PRESENT: Mr B L Lazenby - Chairman
Mr C D Kerr
Mr J M Owen
Mr G S White
6 DECLARATION OF INTERESTS
There were no declarations of interest.
7 MINUTES
RESOLVED
That the minutes of the meeting held on 22 June 2005 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.
8 QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS
None received.
9 TREE PRESERVATION ORDER No: BT 392 – LAND AT ELTON PARK, STELLA MARIS, NINE ACRES, DAUNDY CLOSE AND HADLEIGH ROAD, SPROUGHTON
Prior to the meeting of the Committee, Members met at the site to view the trees covered by Tree Preservation Order No. BT392, particularly the trees identified as Sycamore tree T94, Whitebeam and Cherry in G4, and Sweet Chestnut tree T11, which were the subjects of objections. The trees were viewed from the gardens of the objectors.
In addition to the Members of the Committee the following were present for the site visits:-
Mr D Carmichael Arboricultural Officer
Caroline Whatling Assistant Solicitor
Mrs L Pattle Admin Officer (Committees)
In addition for the site visit relating to Sweet Chestnut tree T11, Mr Davidson (objector) was present.
Following the site inspections the Committee met to consider objections to the Order dated 12 April 2005. Members had before them the following Papers circulated with the Agenda for the meeting:-
Paper E74, including a copy of Tree Preservation Order No: BT00392 and letters of objection from Mrs Wilkinson dated 20 April 2005 and from Mr and Mrs Davidson dated 9 May 2005.
A further letter of objection from Mrs Wilkinson dated 23 July 2005, circulated separately to Members. Photographs enclosed with the letter were on display at the meeting.
The Committee noted that the Helliwell system of appraising a tree which might be considered worthy of protection gave a score for each of the following criteria.
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Its size
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Its life expectancy
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An assessment of its public visibility
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An assessment of other trees in the locality
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Its suitability to the setting
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Its form
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Special factors
The scores were then multiplied to give a total score. A benchmark of 100 points has been assessed as the minimum Helliwell score of an individual tree for it to qualify as being worthy of protection by a TPO.
In considering the objection to the inclusion of Sycamore tree T94 within BT00392, the Committee viewed a number of photographs submitted by Mrs Wilkinson (the objector) showing the drive beneath the tree in 2000. Members considered that the damage caused to the drive outweighed the amenity value of the tree.
In considering the objection to the inclusion of the Cherry in G4 within BT00392, the Committee took the view that the possible damage caused by the roots outweighed the amenity value of the tree.
The Committee considered the objections to the inclusion of the Whitebeam in G4 within BT00392, but Members accepted the opinion of the Arboricultural Officer that it was worthy of protection within the TPO.
In considering the objection to the inclusion of Sweet Chestnut T11 within BT00392, the Committee noted that a TPO would not preclude appropriate pruning of the tree. Members did not believe that the TPO would necessarily deprive Mr and Mrs Davidson of the opportunity to build an extension to their property.
RESOLVED
That Tree Preservation Order No: BT00392 be confirmed with modifications to delete the Sycamore tree T94 and Cherry G4.
The business of the meeting was concluded at 11.15am
Chairman
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