Plans to fell two tall trees in a North Yorkshire village should be refused because there is no evidence they pose an unacceptable safety risk, according to a council tree expert.
North Yorkshire Council’s arboricultural officer has recommended rejecting an application to remove two 30-metre-high Lombardy poplars outside a property in Brompton, near Northallerton.
The trees, which stand outside Loughrigg House in Northallerton Road, are protected by a Tree Preservation Order issued in 1979.
The applicant wants permission to remove the trees amid concern about their height, proximity to the road and footpaths, and damage allegedly being caused by their roots.
The application form states: “The homeowners are concerned regarding the overall height of the trees. This is, arguably, a case of right tree, wrong place, where the tree has simply outgrown its location.
“The roots are lifting the asphalt and pavers on the driveway and their sheer height is a significant liability to bear, given the trees proximity to the road and footpaths. Their preferred solution is that the trees are removed and are understanding that replacement planting will be required.”
A supporting report by Minerva Arboricultural Consultancy states that the trees have become exceptionally large for their surroundings.
The report concludes: “Failure to take action has the potential to have undesirable consequences to members of the public, the owners of the property and their guests.”
However, the council’s arboricultural officer, James Stacey, has challenged the justification for their removal.
In a consultation response, he stated: “Recommend that the proposed felling be refused, no arboricultural justification has been provided.”
He added: “The only submitted reason for the request to remove the trees is due to their height, this is not a justified reason for the removal of an amenity asset for which the trees are subject to a preservation order.”
Mr Stacey pointed out that the applicant’s own tree survey records both trees as being in good physiological and structural condition, with no defects identified.
He said this indicated a low likelihood of failure and an acceptable level of risk.
The officer also criticises the language used in the application, which describes the trees’ height as a significant liability because of their proximity to roads and footpaths.
He said: “The language used in the application is alarming and is not considered to be in accordance with arboricultural best practice.”
Mr Stacey argued that Lombardy poplars naturally grow to considerable heights and should instead be regularly assessed for signs of deterioration.
He said appropriate remedial work should be considered if the trees begin to show evidence of declining health or significant deadwood.
The application has been submitted with an offer to provide replacement planting if permission is granted.
The two trees form part of a longer row of poplars along Northallerton Road, with another tree previously removed from the property.
The council’s tree expert concludes that the evidence submitted is insufficient to justify removing the protected trees.
The application will be decided by planning officers at North Yorkshire Council.
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