Plymouth sycamore tree will be protected despite objections from owner
Many argued that the tree is an asset to the Turnchapel area
A sycamore tree in the Turnchapel area of Plymouth will be protected, despite objections from the owner who hoped to dig up an area around its roots.
A tree protection order (TPO) was made in May after a nearby resident grew concerned that the owner of the land where the tree is planted to cut back an area of earth around it.
The neighbour feared that the move would reduce the levels around the tree further which could harm the root system.
More than 20 emails were received by the council in support for the sycamore.
The tree, on Undercliff Road, is situated among new houses to the south of Barton Road.
The road is connected to relatively new housing on Tram Walk and Watercolour Way and to the west is an area of undeveloped land. The site being contested contains a single sycamore tree.
The TPO suggests that it is a prominent feature and makes a positive contribution to the visual amenity of the local area and users of the South West Coast Path.
A letter of objection to the order was received from Mr Jon Kiely of J.K. Tree Consultancy on behalf of the owner Eliot Developments (SW) Ltd.
Mr Kiely argued that protecting the sycamore "is not expedient in the interests of amenity, as the tree has limited public visibility, and therefore only low-moderate amenity value.
"Loss of this sycamore could by no stretch of the imagination be considered a significant impact on the local environment."
Mr Kiely also wrote: "The tree has previously suffered significant root damage – now manifest in its upper crown as dieback. The tree is in declining condition."
He disputed the criteria used to determine whether the protection order should exist.
"The structured tree evaluation systems I have used strongly indicate the subject tree does not merit a TPO," he said and added that the sycamore would be unable to develop.
"Given the recent site developments the tree cannot fully mature in harmony with its surroundings," said Mr Kiely. He said it seemed ironic there had never been a need for a TPO before.
He said: "Surrounding development, poor planning and a lack of enforcement has created the perceived ‘significant contribution’ to the street scene.
"This tree was not considered for previous protection when nearby trees were assessed."
But many emails of support were sent to the council arguing that the sycamore tree should be protected.
Some of the main statement put forward by supporters of the tree included;
- The tree is an asset to the area and we love to see it every day when we open our curtains
- I have known the tree since 1983 and it is in good health
- It supports birds and wildlife
- Can see it from my home in Barton Road it supports wildlife and is flourishing
- It provides amenity to us and to the community
- Iconic tree with visual appeal and increased bird life, on the South West Coast Path
- Provides amenity to local residents
- Prominent in landscape and contributes to natural character and amenity of area
- Gives enjoyment to public, locals and visitors walking along coast path
- Tree has a wider role in safeguarding the climate/wildlife
Speaking at the meeting of the council’s planning committee, Cllr Maddi Bridgeman (Cons, Moor View) said: "I’m absolutely fervently against the chopping down of a healthy tree or otherwise – or any tree in the city.
"We are in a climate emergency. We need to be protecting living healthy, beautiful trees."
And Cllr Sally Cresswell (Lab, Stoke) agreed, suggesting that the protection order could be reviewed at a later date if necessary.
"If there is a serious decline in the health of the tree in years to come, then I’m sure that appropriate action is able to be taken."
Committee members voted unanimously to keep the tree protection in place.