9A Beech Road Aughton Ormskirk Lancashire L39 6SJ

Proposal

The subject tree is a mature Silver Birch (Betula pendula), designated T1, situated in the front garden of the above property within the Aughton Conservation Area, West Lancashire. This notification is submitted under Section 211 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and requests the Council?s consent to fell and remove the tree on the grounds set out below. Ground 1 ? Root Compaction & Structural Damage to Driveway. The extensive lateral root system of T1 has progressively displaced, cracked and undermined the driveway surface and its sub-base. The damage is structural in nature and cannot be rectified while the tree remains, as any reinstatement works would be rendered ineffective by continued root growth. Surface root encroachment has also degraded adjacent lawn and planted areas through physical displacement, root competition and shading. Ground 2 ? Canopy Encroachment. The overhanging canopy extends substantially over the driveway, restricting day-to-day vehicular and pedestrian use of the access. Seasonal deposition of leaf litter, catkins and organic debris creates a slip hazard on the hard standing, particularly in wet and freezing conditions. Ground 3 ? Structural Lean Towards Dwelling (Primary Safety Concern)T1 exhibits a visible and progressive lean towards the dwelling, which stands approximately 4 metres from the base of the tree. Silver Birch is widely recognised in arboricultural practice as susceptible to internal decay and brittle branch failure, often presenting little or no outward warning prior to failure. The combination of proximity, lean and compromised root anchorage presents a credible risk of structural failure capable of causing serious damage to the property or injury to occupants. This risk cannot in good conscience be left unaddressed. Proposed Works- Felling to be carried out in controlled sections by a qualified, NPTC-certificated arborist ?Kieren Treecare? whom which I have consulted on the matter, holding appropriate public