FOUR sycamore trees in Frome’s Millenium Green look set to be removed after Mendip District Council raised no objections to having them felled.
The decision was made in response to a planning application made by a resident who lives next to Millenium Green asking for the trees to be felled because of their proximity to the garden boundary wall of their property.
The report by Mendip District Council states, “The subject trees have been assessed for their worthiness for a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) and are not considered to be of sufficient value due to their structural condition, habit of growth and lack of long-term sustainability.”
In contrast, as one of the consultees, Frome Town Council objected to the application saying, “We would not want to see all of these trees removed, it is not possible to determine whether the trees are causing damage to the wall without a full structural report. A report could clarify whether or not it is necessary for the removal of all the trees, or just those closest to the wall. We do however feel that these trees have screening value and contribute to the character or appearance of a Conservation Area. We would support a group TPO.”
As the applicant is not the owner of the trees, the next steps for the future of the trees will be discussed by land owners Mendip District Council, leaseholders Millenium Green Trust and Frome Town Council as an interested party.
Laura Thomas from Mendip District Council’s PR and communications team said, “There are no immediate plans for the trees to be felled.
“The council will need to discuss the issue with the Millenium Green Trust before proceeding. There will also need to be a plan put in place to replace any of the trees that are removed.”
To view the full application search 2017/3001/TCA in the planning search at www.mendip.gov.uk
