Richmond upon Thames/PA26/1087

Location

Approximate location

Proposal

T006 is a late-mature beech tree with a stem diameter of 128cm, situated within the rear garden of Cross Deep adjacent to the boundary. Multiple large fruiting bodies of the decay fungi Meripilus giganteus were observed on the ground at the base of the stem and emerging from between the pronounced buttress roots on the north and east sides (see Photographs within Section 3). This fungus is associated with root decay and has been known to cause the failure of trees at the root plate. As this fungus infects the roots, the extent of decay is hard to determine. ‘Meripilus giganteus, the giant polypore, is a common cause of death and/or windblow of mature beech trees. The appearance (in late summer or autumn) of its fruit bodies at the base of the trunk or over the root spread should be taken as a sign that the tree is probably or soon will become unstable’. R.G. Strouts and T.G. Winter - Diagnosis of ill-health in Trees (2015). Consequently, T006 is considered to be in a potentially unstable condition with a limited safe useful life expectancy. Furthermore, T006 is within potential striking distance of Cross Deep, an early Georgian grade II listed building, as well as neighbouring gardens and the River Thames. We previously notified the LA of our intention to significantly reduce the tree in order to reduce the risk of failure, which was approved. However, such works are likely to be detrimental to the tree, as mature Beech trees are widely recognised to respond poorly to heavy pruning. In addition, the tree would remain in a potentially unstable condition even following a reduction and would likely require removal in the near future. Therefore, upon further consideration, we are now submitting formal notice for the removal of T006 as soon as practicable.

Key dates

1. Received 27 Mar 2026
2. Validated 27 Mar 2026
3. Started 27 Mar 2026
4. Decided 8 May 2026

Planning history / related applications

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