Excavation work proximity to trees....

[Mr Lee]

My neighbour is having some building work done in his back garden shortly and looking at the plans i'm a bit concerned as to how close he thinks he can dig and build to our boundary.

 

A bit of detail about our gardens...

 

We both have elevated gardens to the rear of our properties as we live on a steep hill. I have a garage to the side of my house where as he has a car port. He wants to build a garage in his back garden which involves digging his garden level to his driveway. This I have no problem at all with. However, on my side of the boundary 19 years ago we planted some conifers to create a wind break down the back of the properties. I maintain these regularly and don't let them grow above 10 foot and trim both sides.

 

Now on his original plans it showed his garage been over the boundary and into said conifers and my garden. I have since explained who owns this side of the boundary and showed him one of the original concrete fence posts. He agreed to move his building work over onto his side as his plans were wrong. He now plans to dig out a good 10 foot deep (garden is raised and steep) and as close to my boundary as possible. How close is too close though? I don't want these conifers damaged or cut out or even to die due to the roots been damaged badly.

 

Anybody have any idea as to how close to conifer roots you can dig without putting the trees at risk?

 

Thanks in advance.

[One Buck]

My understanding; Unless the hedge is TPOd or you live in a conservation order he can pretty much put his footings right up to the boundary, and damn the consequences to your hedge.

He will however have had to apply for planning permission, and you can object at that stage, look on the planning portal for your council.

If it were me, I think I would be more concerned with how deep he is excavating and possible consequences of this. -

Either way all the information that you need is available on line and you can comment.

Edited June 8, 2015 by One Buck

[Mr Lee]

No TPO's or conservation area sadly. I get on with the guy so when he put his plans in I did speak to the council and let them know they were wrong but was okay with him having a garage. The planning officer said he would make a note of my comments and get them to resubmit altered plans. As yet I have had no copies or paperwork through to say he has done this.

 

I'm wondering if he's bothered resubmitting anything....

[treequip]

 

I'm wondering if he's bothered resubmitting anything....

 

Check it on line

 

Weekly planning applications list

[WelshMan]

Check whether the Party Wall etc Act 1996 applies.

 

Planning Portal - The Party Wall etc Act 1996

[Mr Lee]

Check it on line

 

Weekly planning applications list

Nothing resubmitted so far yet builders have started turning up to quote for the job today.....

[Mr Lee]

Check whether the Party Wall etc Act 1996 applies.

 

Planning Portal - The Party Wall etc Act 1996

I'll check that tomorrow. Cheers.