Lewisham/DC/25/141388

Location

Approximate location

Proposal

REAR: ONE Ash (T16)(ht.18m) FELL. Reason: tree in significant decline, Innotus hispidus decay fungus black brackets clearly visible on stems, in canopy, on trunk at approx.ht.3m and fallen on the ground, Tamla Risk Report identifies multiple areas of well-established decay from Inonotus, dead branch with decay cavity at major fork at approx.ht.4m and recommends fell carefully. Tamla Trees references protection for bats. Condition for replacement TPO planting applies.REAR/SIDE: ONE Hawthorn (T15)(ht.12m) CROWN REDUCE HEIGHT by 2m to ht.10m, to suitable growth points, LATERAL REDUCTION by 2m from 5m to 3m. Reason: routine maintenance of mature native species developing veteran features, and enhanced ecological value. Tamla Trees reports minor dieback in upper canopy, no evidence of active fungal decay, possibly some localised decay, encourages mulching the ground around the tree clear of the stem to benefit overall tree and soil health and to emphasise this feature tree. FRONT (Sunderland Rd): THREE Lime (T1, T2, T4)(ht.15m) REDUCE HEIGHT by 5m to ht.10m to appropriate prune points, remove basal and epicormic growth. Reason: Tamla reports the trees were historically topped/pollarded, with restored canopy, some areas of decay, a robust species, the trees are relatively small in size, so prune to reduce height and wind leverage risk relative to pruning wound decay, advice to repeat crown reduce at 7-10yr intervals.The London Borough of Lewisham (Christ Church, Forest Hill SE23) Tree Preservation Order, 1993. (Area TPO)Condition: a replacement TPO tree is required for T16 with large canopy species such as: hornbeam, sessile oak, sweet chestnut, small leaved lime, Japanese Pagoda Tree (as similar foliage and canopy to ash), Indian Horse Chestnut, London plane, walnut (Juglans regia).Informative A: please retain safe standing stem of the Ash T16 and leave timber lying on site, create habitat log piles and 'dead hedges' with arisings for wildlife and biodiversity to support local nature recovery as old, declining, dead trees have more biodiversity benefits than younger trees.Informative B: the Bat Conservation Trust advises checking thoroughly for roosting bats before and during tree works with soft fell process followed to proceed with care and with cut timber left grounded over night to allow any bats to make their way out, tree works ideally during Sept/Oct to avoid maternity and hibernation seasons when bats are most vulnerable to disturbance.Informative C: for Hawthorn T15, please spread 50mm depth mulch clear of the stem to improve rooting conditions and tree health as advise in Tamla Tree Report.Informative D: huge thank you for maintaining a treed and planted setting to the Bishops Lodge for amenity, wildlife and environmental benefits and where space allows additional planting of trees, shrubs, perennials, climbers, and a reduced mowing regime is encouraged.

Key dates

1. Received 9 Sept 2025
2. Validated 2 Oct 2025
3. Started 2 Oct 2025
4. Decided 2 Feb 2026

Planning history / related applications

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