20 Edgcumbe Park Drive Crowthorne Wokingham RG45 6HX

1. 1.The application does not provide any sound arboricultural justification for the proposed works. The information submitted confirms that there are no concerns regarding the structural condition or safety of the tree, no fears that the tree may break or fail, and no evidence of damage to adjacent structures or property. In the absence of a demonstrable arboricultural need, the proposed works are considered unnecessary. The current crown clearance of approximately 3 metres above ground level is considered sufficient for a tree situated within a private residential garden. No evidence has been provided to demonstrate that the existing clearance is causing an obstruction, preventing reasonable use of the garden, or creating a safety hazard. Raising the crown to approximately 6 metres would result in an excessive clearance that is not justified by the tree's location or circumstances. The removal of four primary limbs back to the main stem would represent a significant alteration to the tree's natural crown structure. These lower branches form an important component of the tree's overall shape and character and contribute positively to its visual amenity. Their removal would create an unnaturally elevated crown, adversely affecting the appearance of the tree and diminishing the amenity value. The proposed works involve the complete removal of four primary limbs. Such branches constitute major structural components of the tree, and their removal would result in large pruning wounds on the main stem. Wounds of this size can take many years to occlude and may increase the risk of decay organisms entering the stem tissues. The proposal therefore has the potential to adversely affect the long-term health and physiological condition of the tree and its main supporting structure. Lower primary branches contribute to the distribution of foliage and the overall balance of the crown. Their removal would substantially reduce canopy volume in the lower crown and alter the tree's natural weight distribution. While not necessarily resulting in immediate structural defects, such a significant modification to crown architecture is considered undesirable and contrary to good arboricultural practice where no clear management objective has been demonstrated. The proposed works would result in a material loss of amenity and would not provide any corresponding arboricultural, safety, or property-related benefit. As such, the proposal conflicts with the purpose of the Tree Preservation Order, which is to protect trees that make a significant contribution to local visual amenity and environmental quality. The Council is not satisfied that the proposed removal of the four lowest primary branches is necessary or justified. The works would result in an unacceptable and unnecessary loss of amenity, create large wounds to the main stem, and adversely affect the form and character of the protected tree. Due to the reasons stated above the proposed removal of the four lowest primary branches has been refused.

From the council's decision notice.

Postcode

RG45 6HX

Scale / size

Small

Parish

Wokingham Without

Date validated

9 June 2026

Consultation expiry

24 June 2026

Consultation start

10 June 2026

Consultation end

24 June 2026

Application expires

4 August 2026

Agent address

Lane End Cottage Warfield Street Warfield RG42 6AR

Case officer

Toby Fox 0118 974 6282

Statutory period

56 days

Appeal result

N

Documents

4