Richmond upon Thames councillors have voted to confirm Tree Preservation Order (TPO) TP25-0009 of 2025, protecting an oak tree outside 328 Nelson Road, Whitton.
The decision was made at a Planning Committee meeting on Wednesday 16 July 2025, following concerns about potential pruning that could damage the tree's health and appearance. The council was informed of an intention to prune the tree in such a way that would be damaging to the appearance of the specimen and create an unacceptable degree of wounding that could act as a gateway to disease and impact its short and long-term health.
Jacob Strutt, a planning officer, told the committee that the council had been contacted about the proposed pruning, prompting a temporary TPO to prevent excessive work. One letter of objection was received, raising concerns about the management of the tree and the impact on common law rights. The 'common law right' is the right to prune trees and bushes back to a boundary. The TPO legislation supersedes this right, preventing any works that the council deems detrimental to the tree. Permission from the council is required to undertake any work on the tree.
Councillor Vasileva raised concerns about the tree encroaching on houses and potential safety implications. Mr Strutt reassured her that the tree was managed under the council's tree policy, with branches within two metres of buildings pruned back to keep clearance. He added that the tree had been recently crown raised and was under PICUS investigation. A PICUS investigation involves studying the trunk with a tomograph to ensure the tree's health. The most recent inspection, carried out on 30/08/2024, found that 'no tree works are justified based on the amount of decay'. The next decay detection is due in 2029.
Councillor Neden-Watts sought clarification that a TPO did not prevent work on the tree, and Mr Strutt confirmed that the council's permission was required. Councillor Pyne asked if the tree was covered by the council's four-year pruning policy, which Mr Strutt confirmed. The council has a policy of street trees receiving attention or pruning every four years. Under this policy, the tree will be assessed for the proximity of branches to buildings and safety. If works are necessary, they will be carried out.
Councillor Cardy asked about checks for oak processionary moth, and Mr Strutt said they were checked during regular surveys. It is not clear if there is a separate survey for all trees. Councillor Cardy asked Mr. Strutt to double-check if there was a separate survey for all trees.
Councillor Vestler asked about the council's liability if branches fell, and Mr Strutt explained liability would depend on whether the council had carried out necessary surveys and work.
Councillor Coombs noted that a TPO doesn't stop applications for work, it just requires council permission. He also highlighted that Whitton has a deficit of trees, and the council is trying very hard to put more trees in the area, and that this was a well-established specimen.
Councillor Cardy concluded that the tree dominated the streetscape, providing a strong reason for the TPO.
Councillors then voted unanimously to confirm the Tree Preservation Order.
