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V25-358 : W16773 - TREE PRESERVATION ORDER NO. 94

27 ROMANY ROAD, LOWESTOFT

The following item was considered as a matter of urgency, under the statutory provision accorded to the Chairman, as developments at 27 Romany Road, Lowestoft, required prompt attention by members.

At the April 1997 meeting of Planning Sub-Committee No. 1 rear extensions to the above detached house were approved. Most of the mature trees in its large grounds were covered by a Tree Preservation Order, including a large laurel bush which members agreed could be removed to make way for the extensions.

The neighbours to the east had expressed concern about the applicants' alleged disregard for trees on their land. They wrote to warn of a large bonfire being made which, if lit, would be likely to damage trees in the rear garden. The applicant responded by saying that an oil drum incinerator would be used instead to ensure controlled burning in an open area. Unfortunately severe scorching had taken place to three sycamores, with lesser damage to three further sycamores and one birch. The explanation of the applicant was that the incinerator had tipped over when unattended, setting fire to an adjacent heap of debris and causing a large fire which resisted attempts to quench it.

It was accepted that the fire was not deliberate, but certainly was careless negligence, particularly after the neighbour's warnings and applicant assurances. The applicant had nothing obvious to gain from what may well result in the death of at least three trees, and agreed to replace any failures in situ.

Officers had warned of possible prosecution, as they had done previously when the laurel was half removed without consent. However, in believing no deliberate intention, the Director of Planning and Building Control recommended that a letter be sent to the applicant reprimanding him for casual disregard to preserved trees and that any terminally damaged trees be replaced by suitable heavy stock in the Autumn 1997 planting season.

RESOLVED

1. That a letter of strong reprimand for casual disregard of preserved trees be sent to the owner of 27 Romany Road, Lowestoft.

2. That any terminally fire damaged trees be replaced by suitable heavy nursery stock in situ, or as recommended by the Council's Landscape Advisor, in the Autumn 1997 planting season.

Volume 25 Minute 358

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