R20/0034Planning Application R20/0034

Poplar T9 - fell to ground level and plant suitable replacement - Reason: The Poplar T9 is causing extensive damage to the block paver parking areas, with many areas of raised bricks, as a result of surface roots. The areas of damage are raised by approx. 100-150mm in several places and may be a trip hazard with potential to damage vehicle tyres. In addition, a number of the surface roots are starting to sucker (see photos). Such damage is likely to worsen as the tree grows. Given the extent and proximity of the damage to the parent tree, root removal is not considered appropriate to remedy the problem, as root removal might render the tree unstable and liable to collapse. The Poplar T9 has been subject to past heavy reduction with evidence that the entire canopy was reduced to approx. 8m and has since regrown. There is therefore potential for decay to have formed at the pruning points of the last reduction and as such the growth above might be weakly attached and susceptible to failure. Given the known species characteristics branch failure is relatively common. Whilst the Poplar T9 is a dominant feature of the site, providing amenity to the locality, given the extent of damage and the tree's condition it is recommended that it be removed and replaced with a more suitable species

R20/0034