45 Queen Margaret's Grove, London

Proposal

Isolated ash tree (self-seeded) in rear garden on the boundary between No.?45 and No.?47. Approximately 12?m in height. Ref. T1. The tree is positioned immediately adjacent to a masonry retaining wall along the boundary. The garden level at No.?47 is approximately 700?mm higher than that at No.?45, with the wall retaining the higher ground. The base of the tree trunk is in direct contact with the wall and has caused unsafe structural instability through physical pressure on the walls as the tree has grown. Work is required to stabilise or reconstruct the retaining wall and would involve excavation close to the trunk and may require severance of structural roots, with implications for the stability of the tree. The tree is also located in very close proximity to the foundations of the neighbouring brick garden sheds in both properties (approximately 300?mm distance from tree), and the main properties (less than 1.5?m distance from tree) presenting ongoing interaction with their foundations as the tree grows. In this context, the tree is considered unsuitable for long-term retention in its current position. It is therefore proposed to fell the tree and grind out the stump to facilitate repair and reinstatement of the retaining wall. A replacement planting of suitable species can be undertaken within the garden following completion of the works.