Council to Decide on Tree Protection Amid Resident Concerns

Sutton Council's Planning Committee is set to decide on whether to make a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) permanent for a Copper Beech tree at 52 Tewkesbury Road, Carshalton. The decision follows concerns raised by local residents and an anonymous tip that the tree was to be removed to enable development.

The committee will meet on 2 July 2025 to discuss the TPO, which has drawn both support and opposition from the community. While the council seeks to protect the tree due to its high amenity value, some residents have voiced concerns about its size, proximity to homes, and potential impact on property.

The council initiated the TPO after being anonymously informed in February 2025 of plans to remove the tree, believing it would hinder development work at the site. The specific type of development work was not detailed in the anonymous tip, but the report mentions pre-application advice (PRE2025/00033) was sought for the erection of a single storey front, side and rear extension. The Principal Tree Officer conducted an assessment, concluding that the tree's amenity and landscape value justified a TPO.

However, one letter of objection and a petition with 24 signatures against the TPO were received. The council acknowledges these objections, but argues that the St Helier Estate lacks green infrastructure and mature tree cover due to its original design. Therefore, the remaining mature trees, including the Copper Beech, have a higher magnitude of value as a prominent landscape feature providing multiple environmental benefits. The council considers the tree's high amenity value meets the intention of the legislation in protecting trees for the benefit of the wider public.

Concerns raised include:

• Excessive Size: The tree's size is deemed unsuitable for a residential area.
• Proximity to Home: Residents fear potential damage from falling branches during storms.
• Light Restriction: The tree's canopy severely restricts sunlight to gardens.
• Mess and Hygiene: Pigeon droppings and beech nuts create mess.
• Property Concerns: The root system poses risks to paved areas and drainage.
• Lack of Consultation: Residents claim they weren't consulted before the TPO was issued.

The council has responded to these objections, stating that the tree is mature and has been in a similar condition for decades. They also noted that canopy pruning could address light restriction concerns. The council also stated that the high amenity and landscape value of the tree outweighs seasonal nuisances. They also stated that there are provisions to remove the tree if it is demonstrated as the primary cause of subsidence damage.

Residents should be aware that if the TPO is made permanent, damaging or removing the tree without permission could lead to legal and financial ramifications. The council states that no person shall: (a) cut down, top, lop, uproot, wilfully damage, or wilfully destroy; or (b) cause or permit the cutting down, topping, lopping, uprooting, wilful damage or wilful destruction of, any tree, tree group or woodland specified in the Schedule to this Order except with the written consent of the Authority in accordance with Regulations 16 and 17, or of the Secretary of State in accordance with Regulation 23, and, where such consent is given subject to conditions, in accordance with those conditions. ¹

The Planning Committee, chaired by Councillor Jayne McCoy, will consider the report on Tree Preservation Order (TPO) 2025/01 and determine whether to make the order permanent. The decision will balance the tree's amenity value with residents' concerns and consider the long-term impact on the community.

The agenda for the meeting also includes discussions on other planning applications, including a new housing development at the rear of Violet Close, the conversion of Stone Court and Stone Court Cottage into residential units, and a residential extension on Victoria Avenue.