Parking within RPA

[Acorn]

My next door neighbour has a protected oak tree in his front garden. He doesn’t like it and tried to have the protection order removed which was refused. Recently he has taken to parking his four wheel drive pick up on the grass right up against the trunk of the protected oak in complete disregard of the root protection area. Is he legally entitled to do this? What action should I take?

[Arctostaphylos uva-ursi]

Perhaps take a photo and contact your local authority tree officer explaining your misgivings. Then let the council deal with it.

[Acorn]

Thank you, Arctostaphylos, for your reply.

The tree officer has made a site visit to next door on another matter, checking the rpa against a proposed front porch. I don’t know if the pick up was parked under the tree when he visited but if it wasn’t the officer would have clearly seen the tracks the pick up has made. So the tree officer has chosen to ignore the offense which doesn’t give me any confidence that anything will be done.

[Xerxses]

Thank you, Arctostaphylos, for your reply.

The tree officer has made a site visit to next door on another matter, checking the rpa against a proposed front porch. I don’t know if the pick up was parked under the tree when he visited but if it wasn’t the officer would have clearly seen the tracks the pick up has made. So the tree officer has chosen to ignore the offense which doesn’t give me any confidence that anything will be done.

 

Unless you point it out to them in writing and they have to respond?

[Acorn]

Thank you, Nelson. I have a couple of photos so I will contact the local tree officer.

[armybloke]

I wish to remain impatial but if the tree is proven to require management at the detriment of the owner or the tree eventually dies then the cost will fall upon him and prosecution could follow. Maybe a polite chat over the fence to remind him that he is culpable could make him think before he acts in future. Killing his tree off will not necessarily remove the problem especially if the condition of the removal of the dead, dying or dangerous tree comes with a fine and a 'condition' to replace with a new tree with a TPO slapped on top to ice the mans cake!!

[Acorn]

He has already (Although I didn’t actually see him do it) sawn off a couple of lower branches so that he could park his vehicle. He is the sort of person who does what he wants without thinking or caring for anything or anybody. He is an ex-amateur boxer so a quiet word is not an option. Being hit around the head for a few years hasn’t improved his persona.

Edited October 31, 2011 by Acorn

[armybloke]

If what you say is true then he has broken the law. The Tree Offcier should be notified and let them deal with it. If he is a persistant offender I would go direct to the council planners. Good luck

[Ian Flatters]

I'd take some photos attach it to an e-mail but personally think its going to be hard for the council to enforce. I cannot see the council being able to erect barriers in someones front lawn.

[b101uk]

Perhaps you should mind your own business and if you like oak trees plant one in your own garden.

 

Perhaps you could offer to let him park his pickup on your drive or grass to save any perceived tree damage if you feel so strongly.