Cockington, Devon Planning Applications

Certificate of Lawfulness for a Proposed Use: Construction of garden room to side elevation to include cedar cladding.

T 030 - Multiple stemmed lapsed sycamore coppice. Growing on bank bordering road and in striking distance of third party properties to the north and south. Two primary stems to the north have been pollarded down to 3m. The eastern most stem has since died with large area of bark necrosis at 1.5m - 3m. The northern most stem which has had a primary limb pollarded is in severe decline with bark necrosis to the north at 2m. If the two stems are removed the remaining canopy will be biased totaly to the south and west and will be open to additional wind loading. Recommendations - Pollard to level already established, approximately 3m. Please see report excerpt for photos.

Reason for Works The subject tree is a self-seeded, semi-mature Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) of limited individual landscape and public amenity value. The tree has developed as a twin-stem specimen and has previously been reduced, resulting in a modified crown form. The tree is situated in close proximity to the dwelling and adjacent driveway, where continued growth is creating an increasing spatial relationship conflict with the property. The canopy extends over the driveway, resulting in regular accumulations of leaves, seeds and other organic debris. During periods of wet weather this contributes to a slippery surface requiring ongoing maintenance to maintain safe access to the property. The tree does not form part of a significant landscape feature, avenue or important visual group and is largely screened within the residential setting. Due to its self-seeded origin, previous management history and limited contribution to the wider character of the Conservation Area, its removal is not considered likely to result in a material loss of public amenity. Whilst cyclical pruning could temporarily reduce canopy spread, it would not resolve the underlying relationship with the dwelling or prevent the recurring accumulation of seasonal debris on the driveway. Continued pruning would also necessitate ongoing management of a species that responds vigorously to reduction. Removal is therefore considered to represent the most appropriate long-term management solution. To mitigate the loss of canopy cover, the applicant is willing to undertake replacement planting with a more suitable ornamental tree in an agreed location if considered appropriate by the Local Planning Authority.