Richmond upon Thames/PA25/3914

Location

Approximate location

Proposal

T1 - Tree of Heaven – Multi-stemmed, approximately 12m in height with a 6m lateral spread. Proposed Works: Fell to ground level. Reasoning: 1. Safety concerns This tree poses a genuine safety issue. There’s significant decay within the main limbs and an included union around 2.5 m. One of the larger limbs extends directly over a busy public footpath, and there’s a high risk of failure. Removing that limb would leave a large wound, leave the tree unbalanced, and severely reduce its already poor amenity value - effectively making it unsustainable to retain in its current form. 2. Invasive species Tree of Heaven is a recognised invasive non-native species in the UK (listed under Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981). It spreads quickly through root suckers and seed, outcompeting native species and reducing biodiversity. Giving this species TPO protection goes against current ecological guidance and local biodiversity objectives. 3. Limited amenity value This particular specimen is small, decayed, and poorly formed. It offers very limited visual or environmental benefit. Based on its condition, I struggle to see how it achieved a TEMPO score high enough to justify a TPO, and I’d appreciate a copy of the completed assessment form for review.

Key dates

1. Received 29 Oct 2025
2. Validated 29 Oct 2025
3. Started 29 Oct 2025
4. Decided 19 Dec 2025

Planning history / related applications

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