A mature horse chestnut tree in Twickenham has been granted a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) by Richmond upon Thames Council, protecting it from potential removal.
The decision was made by the council's Planning Committee on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, following a review of objections and supporting evidence regarding the tree's condition and amenity value. The council uses the TEMPO assessment tool to evaluate factors such as arboricultural merit, expediency, and public amenity value, with the horse chestnut's score of 16 indicating it definitely merits a TPO
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The horse chestnut, located in the rear garden of 19 Queens Road, was provisionally protected by a TPO after a notice was served to remove it. A provisional order was made to allow for further assessment of the tree's condition and to give the owner time to submit independent arboricultural evidence. The property owner was given additional time to obtain such an assessment, but none has yet been submitted.
During the committee meeting, concerns were raised by the tree's owner regarding its size, proximity to neighbouring properties, basal decay, and potential for structural failure. The objector suggested the tree should be removed and replaced with a smaller species, arguing it had limited public amenity value. However, council officers presented evidence that the tree, despite having a cavity and decay, appeared to be in good physiological condition. They stated that no independent arboricultural evidence had been submitted to demonstrate the tree was unsafe or required removal.
The council balances amenity value and biodiversity contributions against risks by requiring sufficient evidence to justify removal. The presence of a cavity and decay alone does not automatically warrant removal. The tree was noted to be visible from several public locations, contributing to the local townscape and biodiversity. Aerial photographs showed the tree was present as far back as 1966 and appeared to be an established tree at that time. The council's stance is that cavities are now seen as features rather than defects in examining trees, and the tree's wide stem diameter is a positive factor.
While some councillors expressed concern about the tree's size and potential risk to neighbouring properties, the majority of the committee felt that without sufficient evidence of the tree being unsafe, the TPO should be confirmed to ensure any future works were properly assessed. The TPO does not prevent future removal of the tree; it ensures that any proposal is properly justified and considered on its merits. The homeowner has a duty of care to their neighbours to manage their trees safely. If the tree is unsafe and an expert report recommends remedial actions up to felling, that would take precedence over a TPO. To challenge a TPO in the future, sufficient evidence from a qualified arboriculturalist is required, which would typically involve a report that has inspected the cavity and provides a reasoned recommendation. The council would assess this evidence, and if it demonstrates that work is required for safety reasons, that work can proceed. The process can be expedited if there is urgency, such as a five-day notice for a seriously dangerous tree.
The committee voted by seven votes to two to confirm the Tree Preservation Order without modification, ensuring the mature horse chestnut is protected. The long-term management will be dictated by future assessments and evidence provided by the owner.
Read the full public reports pack here: Public reports pack Wednesday 14-Oct-2026 19.00 Planning Committee.pdf
See the agenda frontsheet here: Agenda frontsheet Wednesday 14-Oct-2026 19.00 Planning Committee.pdf