Planning – Application Comments

I write to provide my comments on the above application to prune the Weeping Willow tree in the garden adjoining my property, which will involve crown reduction, and reduction in length of some limbs. I have lived at 30 Laburnum Avenue since 1981, when my late wife and i purchased the property. When we moved in the tree was already quite large , and impacting on our property, ie branches overhanging my garden and debris from the tree, including leaves and bits of branches, falling into my garden, expecially when it was windy. This situation has worsened over the years, and the tree has got a lot larger. The size of the tree has meant that in summer the majority of my back garden is in shade from sunlight on sunny days, from 2pm onwards. I am forever having to tidy my garden up to clear debris that has fallen from the tree. As well as being an annoyance, it is potentially dangerous as bigger bits of branches fall from the tree. I have young grandsons who visit me regularly, and like playing in my garden, as is their right. They have not been injured, but it still remains a concern for me. In the past my late wife and i complained about the willow tree, and the negative impact it was having on us. The response we received was that nothing could be done as Garden Village is a conservation area, and the tree subject to a preservation order. I am not aware of any work being done to the tree, whilst i have lived next door. In my opinion it's growth has not been managed or controlled properly. I have real concerns regaring the branches which are growing towards the back of my house, and towards my neighbours house, at number 28. I am encouraged that the new owners of 28 Laburnum Avenue want to do some work to the tree, which in my opinion is long overdue, and have made this application. My preferred option would be for the tree to be drastically reuced in size, but i am aware that that is probably not a realistic proposition, as the tree is not located in my garden, and i am not making the application. However, i do hope that the concerns i have raised are taken into account, and that the negative impact of the tree on my property is significantly reduced.