Issue - meetings

The Committee considered a recommendation for a Tree Preservation Order to be confirmed following the receipt of one letter of objection to the making of the Order. The Tree Preservation Order protects a mature Oak tree of approximately 22m in height at Longhurst, 481 Woodham Lane, Woking, GU21 5ST.

Members of the Committee felt sympathy for the owner of 481 Woodham Lane who had made enquiries regarding the TPO status of this tree before he purchased the property. The Senior Arboricultural Officer explained that he and his Officers can only provide information that was correct at the point of enquiry, and at that time there was no TPO on the tree. Subsequently, numerous enquiries had been received by the Council from Tree Surgeons and neighbours regarding this tree which had caused the Council to make a site visit to determine whether a TPO was acceptable.

Following a query from Councillor T Aziz, the Senior Arboricultural Officer advised Members that if the TPO was confirmed, the owner of the property would be able to submit an application to carry out pruning works to the tree; Arboricultural Officers would be happy to work with him on this.

RESOLVED

That the Tree Preservation Order ref. TPO/0006/2019 be confirmed without modification.