Agenda item

Recommendation: That the Committee confirm the making of TPO 1684/2019

Gary Cowan left the room and did not participate in this item.

Proposal: Confirmation of TPO 1684/2019

Applicant: Wokingham Borough Council (WBC)

The Committee received and reviewed a report about this TPO, set out in supplementary agenda pages 3 to 38.

The Committee were advised that there were no Members’ Updates.

Candice Jules, resident, spoke in objection to the TPO. Candice stated that her land used to be a part of the Newland Farm and was originally planted for the purpose of harvesting trees. Candice stated that her paddock predominantly housed silver birch trees, and had previously been overrun with rhododendron which she had cleared. Candice stated that she was concerned with the additional species included within this TPO, as some of them were seen as weeds which needed careful management. Candice added that she had submitted a woodland management plan to WBC with no response. Candice stated that a 5 day dated and diseased tree application took a considerable amount of time for WBC to respond to. Candice queried how WBC would manage with increased correspondence if holly, which was seen as a weed, was classed as a tree under this TPO and required permission to manage.

Dean Thompson, resident, spoke in objection to the management of the TPO. Dean stated that he had planted 400 trees on his land, and just 18 now remained as a result of theft and antisocial behaviour by members of the public. Dean stated that landowners and woodland mangers needed to be able to properly manage their woodland effectively and efficiently, and this TPO would inhibit this.

Chris Hannington, Case Officer - speaking about woodland management, clarified that a woodland management plan (WMP) had been received from Mrs Jules however it was deemed to not be up to standard. Chris added that a management plan approved by the Forestry Commission sat above a TPO and a TPO was a flag to the FC that a woodland provided amenity value. They would consult the council over WMPs in such cases. Chris stated that there was some evidence that some of the woodland at the Coombes had been planted in rows, ostensibly for forestry, however there was other contradictory evidence such as rows of various different species planted which suggested otherwise. Chris stated that all tree species were included within this TPO, however species such as rhododendron which were not classified as trees were not to be protected.

Angus Ross commented that many of the general public that used the woodland for recreational walks would be unlikely to see different ownership, and this TPO would allow WBC some control over the area in order to retain its amenity value.

Andrew Mickleburgh queried how long an approved woodland management plan would last. Chris Hannington stated that an approved woodland management plan would likely last for many years or even decades. Chris added that if somebody deviated significantly from an approved woodland management plan, the TPO would be a legal vehicle to prosecute under the terms of the TPO. Simon Weeks commented that a TPO would remain even in cases of change of ownership.

RESOLVED That TPO 1684/2019 be confirmed.