9B, Marsh Lane, Shepley, Huddersfield, HD8 8AE

1. 1.These trees are a prominent landscape feature in the locality and as such contribute significantly to public amenity consequently the grounds for their removal / the pruning proposed must be weighed against the amenity they provide.
2. 2.Trees such as these could cause damage and or personal injury if they failed but that can be said of any tree and is rarely, if ever, a reason to justify removal of a healthy protected tree. Moreover, the tree is mature and has been growing at this location for many years; it is adapted to its normal wind environment and no signs of root plate movement or other signs of potential failure were evident.
3. 3.There was no evidence from an appropriate expert submitted with the application to show that the tree was dangerous as required in section 8 of the application.
4. 4.There was not enough evidence submitted with the application to definitively show the tree poses any abnormal health and safety concerns. However, should additional evidence come to light the Council would be happy to consider a new application supported by this.
5. 5.The tree appeared to not have a dense or crowded canopy to justify the crown thinning proposed; an operation which reduces the overall leaf material thus reducing a tree’s ability to combat any infections and opening up many small wounds throughout the crown. Consequently, the proposed works may promote infection and decay, adversely affecting the tree’s long term health. Crown thinning does not improve the health of a tree but instead risks exposing the tree to pathogens and infection whilst it is recovering from the pruning.

From the council's decision notice.

Postcode

HD8 8AE

Date validated

1 October 2026

Target decision date

12 November 2026

Applicant

Private applicant

Agent address

Bankview, New Mill Road, Wooldale, Holmfirth, HD9 7SQ

Case officer

Jack Dunn