Issue - meetings

[NOTE: Councillor M Bridgeman left the chamber for the duration of this item as she was the applicant.]

The Committee considered an application to fell (remove) a T1 Oak at Wey Cottage, 11 Church Road, Byfleet, KT14 7EH.

It was noted that there were three applications running for this same tree from the same applicant; two were before the Committee and a third which requested a lateral reduction was still being considered by Officers.

Following a comment from Councillor A Boote, Dave Frye explained that Oak Processionary Moth (OPM) was present in the tree, but this was only seen as significant reason for refusal when the infestation was significant. OPM could cause skin irritations and the owner of the tree would need to advise the forestry commission regarding help on how to remove the pest. Councillor A Boote thanked the Officer for all the help he had provided to the applicant and queried whether the Council could force the owner of the tree to carry out the required work. Dave Frye advised the only way would be for the Council to do the work themselves and they would only be able to do this if it posed a significant risk to people or property.

Councillor C Rana asked it to be noted that he abstained on the agree resolution.

RESOLVED

That consent be refused for the tree works application REF. TREE/2021/8273.