Two ancient oaks at Land at Roke Road, Kenley, Croydon given a reprieve
The community of Kenley are celebrating the refusal of an application to build 2 flats and a maisonette on a patch of land which contains one 880 year old oak and another 390 year old oak. Their successful campaign to raise awareness about these wonderful trees has paid off.
At the planning committee, the 12 councillors who turned it down and 2 who abstained overturned a recommendation from the Planning Officer to grant permission.
In putting forward an objection to the application the Woodland Trust and Ancient Tree Forum pointed out that Croydon Council has the following stated policies to trees:
Policy SP11: In considering proposals for development and in managing its parks and open areas, the Council will have regard to nature conservation needs and enhancement opportunities and will place a high value on the protection of trees.
Policy NC4: The Council will make full use of its powers to protect individual trees and hedgerows. |
It was also pointed out that in a previous outline planning permission for this site the Council made the permission subject to the fencing off of the trees to a distance of not less than 5m from the trunks of the trees because they are both scheduled under Tree Preservation Order. However it was argued that in the booklet ‘Veteran Trees: A guide to good management’ produced by English Nature the need to protect the environment around old trees and especially their root systems is emphasised. The guide states that an area 15 times the diameter of the tree at breast height should be protected. The Woodland Trust and ATF therefore noted with concern that the access road to the site, services, the building and its foundations were shown as being far too close to these trees which is contrary to nationally accepted guidelines for the protection of ancient trees.
This is the first successful objection for the Woodland Trust / Ancient Tree Forum partnership.
Further details on the reasons for refusal can be obtained from www.croydon.gov.uk
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