Elmbridge/2026/0188

Location

Approximate location

Proposal

Tree Preservation Order EL:03/47 - The tree is marked as TP1 on a diagram I have provided. The following is from the tree surgeon we use for the property. This is supported with photographs provided in this application. 1 x London Plane - crown reduce back to previous reduction points, reducing height by 3m from 20m to 17m and total spread by 4m from 20m to 16m to keep the tree at a suitable size for its location and to reduce impact of overhanging foliage and branches on adjacent buildings. The reason for the work is: The tree TP1 is situated beside the driveway serving the residential blocks which is protected under Tree Preservation Order reference EL:03/47, issued in 2003. Since the order was made, the tree has grown substantially in both height and spread. Over recent years, this tree has begun to cause several issues for residents and the property. These include recurring blockages to drains on the driveway and on the flat roof, as well as repeated instances of minor damage to vehicles from falling branches, which have increased in size each year. More seriously, one of the neighbouring trees (not subject to a TPO) fell recently without any visible indication of poor health. It landed extremely close to the flats and would have caused significant damage had it fallen even slightly differently. If it had fallen in the opposite direction, it would have impacted the adjacent Ashley School playground. Another nearby tree has also shed several large branches. As a result, we have had to erect safety notices near the garages, and Ashley School has been forced to close part of its playground until the unsafe tree can be removed. The tree has now been removed for safety reasons raised by Ashley School and our residents regarding both personal safety and the protection of their homes. While we recognise the amenity value of the protected tree and do not wish to see it removed, it is now clear that it has become too large for its current position. The size and weight of

Key dates

1. Received 22 Jan 2026
2. Started 22 Jan 2026
3. Decided 11 Mar 2026

Planning history / related applications

No related planning applications have been identified in the current public OGL dataset.