TPO check timescale

[Gary Prentice]

Good intention Paul, but the way our LA is with funding, everyone in the council acknowledges that services are suffering. So it all becomes a bit pointless complaining.

 

I feel for the front line staff, we speak to planning daily and staff numbers are just falling and falling, the workload isn't and they do the best they can. It's a poor situation but the 'girls' in the office stay in good humour and always get us an answer to our searches that day. Remarkable really when 50% of the time the computers are offline.

 

Familiarity with the position has certainly improved my own patience

[spuddog0507]

I've been asked by my client to check the status of TPO's on trees adjoining his boundary.

I've checked with planning and there is a discrepancy on the schedule as the species of trees are not on the schedule for the area. But planning has advised that they might be covered and advised me to check with the Arb Officer.

I've asked for clarification from the Arb Officer nearly a month ago and very little advice has been given. I've chased this up on a few occasions but just keep getting the response of I'll let you know by the end of the week.

 

How can I proceed with this, as the customer is on my case with regards to starting the work.

 

Sounds about right for a council employee, but you go and start cutting trees down and they will soon be on your case (they may even sacrifice elevenses to be on site that day) its the same with a lot of things in this day and age where other organisations and people have more of a say at what you do, than you do your self, but unfortunately we have to slow to their speed which is all most STOP.

[spuddog0507]

In my previous life I'd always respond promptly to enquirers. If there was ambiguity then I'd try and meet on site to sort it out. As my ex-authority doesn't have a tree officer getting a response to the question of, is a tree protected, which I do ask regularly, can take some time and several calls, and they all know me and I know them. Service quality declines if you don't have knowledgeable specialist staff.

 

Most authorities will have a planning enforcement policy. That will include a section on how fast they will respond to the various breaches of planning control. E.g. minor unconsented change of details in a new build house may get a visit in a week or two. Demolishing a listed building without consent, and unconsented tree works would get you a visit immediately.

 

Most planners and tree officers now don't have time to stop for elevenses, or any other break. To much to do, not enough time, and to few people to do it.

Sorry but our tree officers here are never in a rush only when it comes to 4.30pm can never get a site visit before 12pm then it takes 3-4 wks to get a answer from them,once asked for a 8am site meeting poor bloke nearly dropped dead don't start till 9am was his reply , ended up 11am site visit,not good for me having to leave another job but just have to work with them

[Gary Prentice]

Sorry but our tree officers here are never in a rush only when it comes to 4.30pm can never get a site visit before 12pm then it takes 3-4 wks to get a answer from them,once asked for a 8am site meeting poor bloke nearly dropped dead don't start till 9am was his reply , ended up 11am site visit,not good for me having to leave another job but just have to work with them

 

But you did get a site visit:thumbup1: