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5, Albert Square, SW8 1BU

25/01395/TPOTree works: Trees in conservation areas/subject to TPOsRefused

Refused on 4 June 2025

Approximate site (title boundary)
Boundary © HM Land Registry, © Ordnance Survey · details

This information is subject to Crown copyright and database rights 2026 and is reproduced with the permission of HM Land Registry. The polygons (including the associated geometry, namely x, y co-ordinates) are subject to Crown copyright and database rights 2026 Ordnance Survey AC0000851063. Conditions of use.

Proposal

T1. Robinia Tree ? Lateral Spread Reduction and Canopy Thinning The Robinia, while not yet fully mature, is exhibiting characteristics that necessitate preemptive management to avoid long-term structural and environmental issues. The current canopy significantly suppresses light access within the small garden. Lateral Spread Reduction: Cutting back the lateral spread all around will minimise the above-head canopy, ensuring the space remains usable while maintaining the tree?s structural integrity. This is a crucial consideration for small urban gardens, where every square meter of sunlight access impacts the usability and enjoyment of outdoor space. Reduction of Suppression on Garden: The Robinia's dominance is limiting plant growth and creating a dense, shaded environment. A slight reduction will allow for a more balanced ecological environment. Canopy Thinning: By selectively removing internal growth, the tree can be sensitively pruned to increase light penetration while maintaining its overall shape and health. Thinning will also mitigate wind resistance, reducing the risk of structural failure during storms. Conclusion The proposed works are a proportionate and measured response to the growing suppression of light and encroachment within a small, confined garden space.They align with best arboricultural practices by ensuring: Minimal intervention with maximal benefit for both the garden and trees. The preservation of tree health while enhancing environmental harmony. A long-term sustainable balance between natural growth and the needs of the property occupants. We respectfully submit that the proposed works should be granted permission in full to ensure the ongoing viability of the garden while preserving the health of the trees involved.

Submitted
30 April 2025
  1. Received30 Apr
  2. Validated
  3. Consult.
  4. Target
  5. Decided4 Jun

Decided in 35 days (council typically 56)

About this application

This is a planning application at 5, Albert Square, SW8 1BU. Lambeth has handled 415 applications of this type. This one was decided in 35 days, 3 weeks quicker than Lambeth's typical decision time. The site is in the Albert Square conservation area, with 3 listed buildings nearby. There have been 2 other applications at this address. In the past year there have been 25 applications across OVALWA. We hold 1,525 applications in total for the SW8 postcode area.

89% of tree works: trees in conservation areas/subject to tpos applications at London Borough of Lambeth were approved. Across all application types, the council typically decides in about 8 weeks (median).

Based on decided applications received in the last 3 years.See what's approved near your address

Application details

Postcode
SW8 1BU
Application type
Tree works: Trees in conservation areas/subject to TPOs

Site constraints

Checking the site
2/3
Council recordsAppealsFlood risk

Designations that overlap or adjoin the site outline.

  • Conservation area: Albert Square
  • Listed building: Grade II: 6-14, Albert Square Sw8On or next to this site
  • Article 4 direction: Albert Square
  • Tree Preservation Order: Ref 16Protected tree on or next to this site · +3 more
  • Flood zone 1: Low probability (rivers and sea)
Also checked, none recorded (20)

flood storage areas, green belt, scheduled monuments, World Heritage Sites, World Heritage Site buffer zones, registered parks and gardens, registered battlefields, Heritage at Risk entries, nutrient neutrality catchments, national parks, National Landscapes, SSSIs, Special Areas of Conservation, Special Protection Areas, Ramsar sites, ancient woodland, national nature reserves, local nature reserves, heritage coasts and brownfield registers.

A guide only, from official open data; it is not a planning search. Flood zones cover rivers and sea, not surface water.

Data © Crown copyright and others · sources and licences

Contains public sector information from planning.data.gov.uk (MHCLG and local planning authorities), licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. © Crown copyright and database right 2026.

© Historic England 2026. Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2026. The Historic England GIS Data contained in this material was obtained on 2026-11-03. The most publicly available up to date Historic England GIS Data can be obtained from HistoricEngland.org.uk.

© Natural England copyright. Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2026.

© Environment Agency copyright and/or database right 2026. All rights reserved. Flood Map for Planning, Open Government Licence v3.0.

Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2026.

Source: Office for National Statistics licensed under the Open Government Licence v.3.0. Contains OS data © Crown copyright and database right 2026.

Associated applications

  1. 2025
    30 Apr

    T1. Robinia Tree ? Lateral Spread Reduction and Canopy Thinning The Robinia, while not yet fully mature, is…

    PendingApplicationPart of25/01395/TCA
  2. 2025
    30 Apr

    T1. Robinia Tree ? Lateral Spread Reduction and Canopy Thinning The Robinia, while not yet fully mature, is…

    This applicationRefusedApplication25/01395/TPO

Source: Lambeth

Contains public sector information from the Planning London Datahub, licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

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