Agenda and draft minutes

The committee appointed Councillor Bernard Dawson as Chair.

The committee appointed Councillor Stephen Button as Vice Chair.

Councillor Loraine Cox substituted for Councillor Peter Edwards.

To submit the minutes of the last meeting of the Planning (Trees) Sub-Committee held on the 19^th of April 2023 for approval as a correct record.

Recommended – That the Minutes be received and approved as a correct record.

The minutes of the last Planning Trees committee held on the 1th of April were submitted for approval as a correct record.

Resolved – That the minutes be received and approved as a correct record.

The following reports detail 2 Tree Preservation Orders to be determined by the committee.

Mr Adam Birkett Head of Planning and Transportation presented the reports in the absence of the Arbor and Conservation Officer Katie Morley.

The attached report sets out a request to recommend the protection of seven trees at Old Play Area, Back Lane, Baxenden, BB5 2TB through the use of a Tree Preservation Order.

The Temporary Tree Preservation Order that was made is attached at Appendix 1.

Also attached as Appendix 2 the Tree Evaluation Method for Preservation Orders (TEMPO) data sheet and decision guide.

Recommended – To confirm the TPO and make it permanent on the grounds that:

1.    The 7 trees are in a good condition at this time, but if not protected it could be open to indiscriminate damage during building being carried out, pruning or felling.

2.    The trees are notable which can be seen from roads and nearby footpaths, they add value to the character of the area.

3.    The trees have significance wildlife potential.

4.    The Council would have no objections to light selective pruning being carried out should this be necessary, but pruning must be controlled.

Mr Birkett presented the report submitted by the Arbor and Conservation Officer which recommended the protection of seven trees at Old Play Area, Back Lane, Baxenden, BB5 2TB through the use of a Tree Preservation Order.

Mr Birkett presented the report to the committee and confirmed no representations had been received and a temporary Tree Protection Order has been in place since October 2024.

The reasons for recommending the Trees be protected are set out in the report and Mr Birkett highlighted that there has been interest in purchasing the land which the trees are located on, posing a foreseeable threat to the trees.

Members of the Sub-Committee reviewed the report and appendix and discussed the trees amenity value to the area. The committee noted that a majority of the trees are marked as medium trees which are in mostly good condition and will add value for years to come.

Resolved – The Sub-Committee voted to follow officer recommendations and confirm the permanent TPO on the grounds listed on the report.

The attached report sets out a request to recommend the protection of a Woodland of trees at Waterside, Hoyle Bottom through the use of a Tree Preservation Order. The Temporary Tree Preservation Order that was made is attached at Appendix 1.

Also attached as Appendix 2 the Tree Evaluation Method for Preservation Orders (TEMPO) data sheet and decision guide.

Appendix 3 shows public footpaths in the area.

Recommended- To confirm the TPO and make it permanent on the grounds that:

1.    This Woodland is in a good condition at this time, but if not protected it could be open to indiscriminate pruning and felling.

2.    The Woodland is notable which can be seen from many roads and nearby footpaths. It adds value to the character of the area.

3.    The Woodland has significance wildlife potential.

4.    The Council would have no objections to light selective felling being carried out should this be necessary, but felling must be controlled.

Mr Birkett presented the report submitted by the Arbor and Conservation Officer which recommend the protection of a Woodland of trees at Waterside, Hoyle Bottom through the use of a Tree Preservation Order.

Mr Birkett presented the report and attached appendix to the Sub-Committee and clarified the previous conduct of the land owner in relation to felling a number of trees including a Sycamore Tree. These images are included in the report.

A temporary TPO was placed on the remaining trees after this occurrence in October of 2024.  

The Sub-Committee discussed the actions of the resident in relation with the scoring sheet attached as an appendix to the report. The trees are categorised as Large or Medium Trees which are clearly visible to the public adding amenity value to the area and are likely to live for a number of years.

Resolved – The Sub-Committee voted to follow the officer recommendation and make the TPO permanent on the grounds set out in the report.