Council acts to protect landmark trees in Plymouth

Two landmark trees near one of Plymouth’s main roads are to be protected after concerns they might be felled.

The city council has confirmed a Tree Preservation Order for the two huge Monterey cypresses which can be seen from Embankment Road, the main link into the city from the east.

The trees in the garden of a property in Old Laira Road were first protected by a six-month emergency order in August which was due to run out on Friday, February 12.

It was put in place after a request from a neighbour who was concerned that the new owner was planning to remove them, a report to the city council’s planning committee said.

Councillors voted unanimously to confirm the preservation order at a meeting on Thursday afternoon.

The committee was asked to make a decision after the owner and a neighbour living below the trees objected to the order.

The objectors said the trees were a serious and imminent danger, were too big, had previously been mismanaged, blocked light and affected the value of a neighbouring property.

But there were six letters of support for the order, mostly from neighbours. They said the trees were a major landmark and provided an important habitat for insects, nesting birds and bats, and were used by crows, pigeons, herons and owls.

The supporters said the trees were part of the historic village, screened the Laira depot, reduced noise, light and air pollution from Embankment Road, helped stabilise the slope, and were a benefit to health and wellbeing.

The committee was told a tree risk assessment for the owner carried out in September reported both were in a moderate condition and over mature, with a life expectancy of between six and 25 years.

The assessment recommended works being carried out as a medium priority, and did not say they were in serious and imminent danger of failing.

The council report said a tree preservation order did not prevent urgent safety work and the authority was unlikely to refuse a request for reasonable pruning. It acknowledged work was needed to both trees for maintenance and safety.

The owner has made a separate application to the city council for safety work to be carried out which officers are expected to approve after concerns raised by neighbours have been resolved.

Planning officer Jane Turner told councillors: “No evidence has been provided to demonstrate that the trees are a serious or imminent danger which is the main concern raised.”

She added: “Officers consider that the trees merit protection, even if permission is given for works to the trees in the future, and they will continue to be a landmark, provide amenity, wildlife habitat and screen.”

Brian Vincent, Labour councillor for Efford and Lipson, spoke in support of the order, arguing that the trees blocked noise and light pollution from the Laira depot, and were important for wildlife. He said: “This will add a benefit to the area.”