Central Garden, Albert Square London SW8 1BS

1. 1.1. Inadequate clear tree identification and unenforceable works specification The application fails to provide a clear, reliable and sufficiently precise basis for identifying the trees proposed for works or removal within Tree Preservation Order No. 50 (1975), Area A1, Albert Square Central Garden. The application uses applicant tree numbers T1 to T27. These are not individual tree numbers from the deposited area Order. The submitted plan is not supported by a tree schedule, stem dimensions, crown spreads, tree tags, marked trees on site, whole-tree photographs or other information sufficient to reliably relate the plotted tree numbers to individual trees on site. This deficiency is particularly significant in relation to T25 Dead holly and T27 Robinia. No photograph of T25 has been submitted and no dead holly was clearly identified at or around the plotted T25 location during the officer's site visit observations. The submitted photograph labelled T27 shows only a basal feature and lower stem area and does not show the whole tree, crown, wider setting or sufficient context to confirm that it corresponds with the plotted T27 position. The works to T1 to T26 are described as "remove deadwood if necessary". This is not a clear tree-specific works specification. It does not identify which trees contain deadwood, the extent or size class of deadwood to be removed, or why removal is necessary in each case. The absence of clear tree identification and measurable works specification means that the likely arboricultural outcome, visual impact and extent of works cannot be properly assessed, recorded, monitored or enforced.

From the council's decision notice.

Postcode

SW8 1BS

Application type

Approval for works to TPO trees

Scale / size

Small

Date validated

25 March 2026

Target decision date

20 May 2026

Agent

A.N. Rowland Ltd

Agent address

Layhams Farm, Layhams Road Kent BR2 6AR

Statutory period

56 days

Comments

0

Documents

8

Constraints

7