The belt of Grendon Gardens trees that border Newland Court clearly visible in this satellite view
Guest post by Philip Grant in a personal capacity
TREES:
I have not yet had chance to look at the planning application documents, but there is some information I can share with potential objectors to the Newland Court development, based on personal knowledge from having to advise a relative who used to live in the Barn Hill Conservation Area.
The boundary of the Conservation Area runs along the back fence/wall at Newland Court, with all of the back gardens, AND all the trees in them, of Grendon Gardens within the Conservation Area.
Para. 6.5, "Natural Environment", of Brent's Barn Hill Conservation Area Character Appraisal includes the following statement:
'Barn Hill has a very green character defined by the relatively densely planted trees to garden boundaries and along the roads of the estate. Species such as Cherry, Purple Plumb, Hawthorn, Oak and Ash proliferate. These trees help to provide a natural framing for views in and out of the area and between buildings. These trees are an essential part of the character of the area and the mix of deciduous and coniferous trees is part of the now prevailing character.'
The Barn Hill Conservation Area design guide, at para. 5.3, "Trees", in the "Gardens" section, says:
'All trees in the Barn Hill Conservation Area that have a diameter greater than 75mm [that's about 3 inches], measured at a height of 1.5m [about 5 feet], are protected. You will need permission to carry out even the most minor of work to a tree. It is always best to contact Planning & Development for advice on the best way to protect the trees in your garden.'
If you are a Grendon Gardens resident who has trees at the bottom of your garden, backing onto Newland Court and Brent's proposed development site, you might want to contact Brent Council's Tree Protection Officer (I wouldn't personally recommend contacting Planning!), and seek her advice on how the trees in your garden should be protected.
Ask for her advice in writing, and quote it as part of your objection to Brent's planning application, if you wish to object to it.
Email address: Julie.hughes@brent.gov.uk
4 comments:
I forgot to mention contact details for person at Brent Council who deals with trees:
gary.rimmer@brent.gov.uk
or you could use the online "Planning Enquiries" form - but be sure to click on the box for "Trees" - at:
https://brent-self.achieveservice.com/en/AchieveForms/?form_uri=sandbox-publish://AF-Form-19b733fe-f847-4f29-9b6c-3d7fa87bcd5a/definition.json
The trees within the Grendon Gardens gardens are dealt with in para 7.4 of the Arboricultural Impact Assessment. Whether they have been correctly dealt with remains to be seen. Most of the trees to be removed are self-sown ashes and sycamores growing between the garden fences and the retaining wall - the area described by Martin as 'no man's land'. No doubt there is an argument to be had about the ownership of this area (which is why these trees have been allowed to grow there in the first place). Incidentally, I believe that Gary Rimmer just deals with street trees. There is a new tree protection officer called, I think,Julie Hughes.
Thought Martin Page and a Mr Usherwood were the tree officers at Brent Council?
Updated information from Gary Rimmer is that he is responsible for trees in the public realm and Julie Hughes for planning issues re trees and trees in pribate gardens. Mr Usherwood has left.
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