Issue - meetings

The Committee considered the report of the Head of Development Management concerning Tree Preservation Order No.5012/2023/TPO which was made on 12 October 2023 on a provisional basis following the submission of a six-week notification to fell a Thuja tree growing within the grounds of St Mary’s Church, Lenham.  It was noted that:

·  The main reasons given in the application for the removal of the Thuja were due to signs of disease, root rotting and its size so close to the road and adjacent property, Forge House.  An inspection by the Council’s arboriculturist found that the Thuja did not display any signs of disease or decay to justify its removal so, in accordance with the regulations, it was considered expedient to make the tree the subject of a Tree Preservation Order to prevent its removal.

·  An objection had been received from Lenham Parish Council to the making of the Order.  The points raised in the objection by the Parish Council were not considered sufficient reasons to not confirm the TPO or to raise sufficient doubt to question its validity.  The Thuja tree was considered to have significant amenity value so its loss would erode the mature and verdant landscape of the area by a marked degree and give rise to significant harm to its character and appearance.  It was, therefore, considered expedient to confirm the TPO to secure its long-term retention/protection.

RESOLVED:  That Tree Preservation Order No.5012/2023/TPO be confirmed without modification as per the Order attached as Appendix A to the report.

Voting:  8 – For  0 – Against  0 – Abstentions

Rolled over to the adjourned meeting on 25 March 2024.