Protected Trees and Reports

[WesD]

Anybody else’s LA demanding Arb Reports alongside/as part of application’s to work on protected trees before issuing a response?

 

Seems like tree owners may have to start paying twice to remove trees in my area. 

[Khriss]

Thought that would be required ?    Justification of Works etc K

[kevinjohnsonmbe]

Seems a bit odd esp for simple / straightforward applications.  Understandable if a complex, potentially controversial or seemingly unreasonable application although there are some pretty dire submissions which can be viewed online.

 

Had a householder recently ask for a report / TPO app because the one he did himself was rejected.  He said he "...knew it was free to submit so wasn't expecting a bill..."  Told him it's not the application form he's paying for, it's the words that will go on it and be approved!

 

Whilst there needs to be a sufficiently detailed work scheme to allow an assessment and a sensible justification case, who compiles it is a matter for the applicant rather than the LA but if it ain't good enough, it gets rejected. 

 

Sounds like - if we insist on as many consultant reports as possible it will reduce the LA workload on undermanned / understaffed officer time.  The same appears to be the growing feeling around planning apps in general in my area whether it be highways, environment, NE, etc, etc, etc...

 

 

 

Edited May 30, 2019 by kevinjohnsonmbe

[Gary Prentice]

I've never been asked to provide a report, but as I'm normally the agent I'm normally providing arboricultural information in support of the application anyway.

 

Section 8 of the app opens the door, depending on the reason given for justification. I suppose if the application was to reduce to reduce shading it would be hard for the LA to justify wanting an arb report.

[Gary Prentice]

2 hours ago, kevinjohnsonmbe said:

Sounds like - if we insist on as many consultant reports as possible it will reduce the LA workload on undermanned / understaffed officer time.  The same appears to be the growing feeling around planning apps in general in my area whether it be highways, environment, NE, etc, etc, etc...

As some LAs no longer employ TOs, they've got to get arboricultural information from somewhere 

[WesD]

@kevinjohnsonmbe @Gary Prentice

 

Think you have both both hit the nail on the head, as to being down to cuts to TO’s. 

 

For anything complex then yes agree get a report but it’s unfair to push the extra cost on the owner when they have no say on protecting the tree in the 1st place, and like you say if they want the tree out/reduced due to wanting a bit of sun a report is no good anyhow. 

 

If a tree is in obvious decline due to disease etc the surely a few pics on the application should be enough. 

 

I’m not one to get hung up over any app being refused etc I just move on to the next job, just curious to hear how other people’s LA’s work/act. 

 

I work mainly in 4 areas and 3 of the LA’s have great TO’s so cant grumble really the fourth did but I think is going through a change.