Minutes:
Before the formal meeting of the Planning Board, Members of the Board made a visit of inspection to the above site (Ward representatives Councillors Rose and Wyatt were also in attendance, with Councillor Sansome having given his apologies).
Consideration was given to the report of the Director of Planning and Regeneration Service concerning the application to fell various trees protected by RMBC Tree Preservation Order No. 18 1975, Morphy Richards Ltd., Talbot Road, Swinton for Morphy Richards Ltd. (RB2015/0795).
In accordance with the right to speak procedure, the following people attended the meeting and spoke about this application:-
Councillor E. Rose (on behalf of local residents)
Resolved:- (1) That application RB2015/0795 be granted in part and the removal of the 27 trees, as detailed below, be approved for the reasons adopted by Members at the meeting and subject to the following conditions:-
01
All tree works shall be carried out in accordance with B.S.3998: 2010 and shall not exceed the removal of the 27 Poplar trees recommended for removal within the submitted tree survey report by the agent, unless otherwise agreed in writing with the Local Planning Authority. In addition no tree work shall commence until the applicant or his contractor has given at least seven days’ notice of the intended starting date to the Local Planning Authority. The authorised works should be completed within two years of the decision notice otherwise a new application for consent to carry out any tree work will be required.
Reason
To ensure the tree works are carried out in a manner which will maintain the health and appearance of the trees in the interests of the visual amenities of the area and in accordance with UDP Policies ENV3 ‘Borough Landscape’, ENV3.2 ‘Minimising the Impact of Development’ and ENV3.4 ‘Trees, Woodlands and Hedgerows’.
02
Replacement planting condition
13 x Silver Birch (Betula pendula) and 14 x Upright Norway Maple (Acer platanoides Olmstead) shall be planted in the first planting season (early November to late March) following the removal of the 27 existing Poplar trees. Their size at the time of planting shall be ‘Selected’ Standard 10 to 12 centimetres stem circumference measured at 1 metre above ground level, with a minimum height of 3 to 3.5 metres and container grown within a minimum 25 litre container positioned approximately as indicated on the attached site location diagram or such other size, species, location or period as may be agreed in writing with the LPA.
Reason
To ensure the tree works are carried out in a manner which will maintain the health and appearance of the trees in the interests of the visual amenities of the area and in accordance with UDP Policies ENV3 ‘Borough Landscape’, ENV3.2 ‘Minimising the Impact of Development’ and ENV3.4 ‘Trees, Woodlands and Hedgerows’.
03
If, within a period of five years from the date of planting, the new trees (or any other new trees planted as replacements for them) are removed, uprooted or destroyed or die, another tree of the same size and species shall be planted at the same place, or in accordance with any variation for which the local planning authority give their written consent.
Reason
To ensure the tree works are carried out in a manner which will maintain the health and appearance of the trees in the interests of the visual amenities of the area and in accordance with UDP Policies ENV3 ‘Borough Landscape’, ENV3.2 ‘Minimising the Impact of Development’ and ENV3.4 ‘Trees, Woodlands and Hedgerows’.
04
Stump grinding condition
Following the felling of the 27 Poplar trees concerned their stumps will be removed by the use of a suitable stump grinding machine in accordance with
BS 3998:2010 Tree Work - Recommendations. The minimum depth for stump grinding should be to extend through the base of the stump leaving the major roots disconnected. The arisings should be removed from the site to help reduce the potential for the spread of honey fungus that may be detrimental to the future prospects of any new trees.
Reason
To ensure the tree works are carried out in a manner which will maintain the health and appearance of the trees in the interests of the visual amenities of the area and in accordance with UDP Policies ENV3 ‘Borough Landscape’, ENV3.2 ‘Minimising the Impact of Development’ and ENV3.4 ‘Trees, Woodlands and Hedgerows’.
(2) That the removal of the 46 remaining trees, the subject of application RB2015/0795 and as detailed in the submitted report, be refused for the following reason:-
The Council considers that the removal of the remaining 46 trees (not included within the 27 trees referred to at resolution (1) above) will result in a significant adverse impact on local amenity as well as any associated wildlife and biodiversity benefits and insufficient justification for their loss has been provided. The Council considers that the loss of the trees is likely to increase other difficulties of light and noise pollution from the site which would further exacerbate future disturbance to adjacent local residents. Accordingly this element of the application conflicts with UDP Policies ENV3 ‘Borough Landscape’, ENV3.2 ‘Minimising the Impact of Development’ and ENV3.4 ‘Trees, Woodlands and Hedgerows’.