1 Silk Mill Row School Lane Eckington WR10 3AT

1. 1.No foundations appear to have been installed; the brickwork has been built directly onto the soil. In 1970, building regulations would be unlikely to have been necessary for a small extension of this nature; however, under current requirements particularly given the proximity of the tree, building control would likely be involved. To comply today it is likely a significant concrete foundation would be expected.
2. 2.In recent years there have been exceptional weather conditions (i.e., very wet winters and very dry summers). This does not appear to have been taken into account. Professionals consulted within Wychavon Council have advised that these conditions should be considered and may be the primary cause of the damage identified.
3. 3.The quoted estimate of £38,000 (excluding superstructure) for remedial works appears disproportionate when compared with typical industry estimates for new-build construction, which are currently cited at approximately £2,000 £3,000 per square metre.
4. 4.The option of installing a root barrier does not appear to have been given serious consideration. A root barrier would be very suitable in this situation, only minor root pruning (at12m) maybe necessary and the council would not object to this. In addition, information provided to date is not regarded as accurate by professionals consulted at Wychavon Council, including the statement: ‘To install a barrier safely, without undermining or destabilising the existing foundations, a distance of approximately 2.53 m from the building would be required’ (Fyaz).
5. 5.Pruning has not been explored in depth as a potential mitigation measure to reduce any potential influence from the tree. The only Council record of proposed works (August 2023) relates to a suggested 3–4 m reduction; this proposal was objected to by the Council, after which the tree was made subject to a Tree Preservation Order (TPO).
6. 6.Crack monitoring has been undertaken for less then a year, ideally there would be two years of monitoring to confirm/no confirm any trends.
7. 7.The tree is an important landscape feature within the village. It is highly visible and makes a significant contribution to the character of the area and residents’ enjoyment of the village environment.
8. 8.Accordingly, regardless of the approach taken to retain the tree in question, the existing 1970s structure would either require underpinning or would need to be removed and rebuilt. Your right of appeal If you disagree with our decision, you can appeal to The Planning Inspectorate. If you wish to appeal, you must do so by e-mail: treeandhedgeappeals@planninginspectorate.gov.uk state has discretion to allow a longer period. Guidance on the appeals process can be found in the Planning Inspectorate’s guide on the following web page: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/tree-preservation-order- procedure-guide Compensation If you suffer any loss or damage which is caused or incurred in consequence of this refusal of consent, you are entitled to recover from the council compensation in respect of such loss or damage. If you wish to make a claim you must do so within 12 months from the date of this decision (or, if you appeal to the Planning Inspectorate, within 12 months from the date of their decision). Claims should be submitted in writing to: Director of Planning and Infrastructure, Planning Services, Wychavon District Council, Civic Centre, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Pershore WR10 1PT.

From the council's decision notice.

Postcode

WR10 3AT

Application type

Tree preservation order application (works to)

Scale / size

Small

Parish

Eckington

Date validated

10 December 2025

Consultation expiry

29 December 2025

Consultation start

15 December 2025

Consultation end

29 December 2025

Agent address

Bembridge House 1300 Parkway Solent Business Park Whiteley Hampshire PO15 7AE

Documents

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