Chrissio

True but the extension isn't a foregone conclusion because of the potential difficulties and we need the space.

There is no foregone conclusion here. I'll either get planning for a suitable solution or I won't. If I don't get planning, I'll either live with what I have or move house, it's that simple.

Crikey, thank you everyone for the considered responses. I'll reply to each point here: Sutton, in answer to your question, the house is currently 10m from the trunk. The tree is fully grown at 19m. The crown is asymmetric, being 4m on the side of the extension and actually wouldn't overhang the proposed extension (which would be around 5m). I will be doing this, no doubt about it, but I value the broad set of opinions on this site too. This is a really good point. We could probably live with a step but ideally it would be flat- thanks for pointing this out. Munching stuff in Sainsbury's would be stealing. No theft going on here, people can choose to offer an opinion or move on. I'd liken it more to getting a broad set of thoughts to consider before I go to a specialist so that I can have a more informed and intelligent conversation. This is really helpful Nepia. This is exactly the kind of insight I was looking for, thank you It's fully mature at 19m. I don't think it's ever been pruned! Crikeblockquote widgetblockquote widget

Hi everyone, Great forum- I've had a good look around and managed to find some general pointers but nothing specific to my situation. I have a large 50+ year old Lime Tree with a TPO approx 10m from the side of my property. I'm looking to apply for planning for a single storey extension that will be approx 5m wide, thus being built over the RPA and taking the building to approximately 5m from the tree. Obviously some sort of piled/ rafter foundation would be required to satisfy planning and protect the roots. I have three questions 1) Does anyone have experience of applying for planning with a building over an RPA and do you have any practical advice as to how to go about it? (complete novice here so any tips welcome). 2) How did you go about it and what is the correct order of specialists to speak to first to stand the best chance of success? 3) How do I get a quick idea of what might be allowed without racking up huge costs, only to be potentially denied planning at the end of it? Many thanks for taking the time to read this.