Decision Details

Implemented

Resurfacing / Improvement works: Sands Centre and Swifts Car Park

The removal of up to six trees in the Sands Car Park as part of the improvement works to the car park.  The planting of replacement trees. 

The removal of up to six trees in the Sands Car Park 

No

Councillor Christian

Mon 10 Oct 2022

N/A

Following the redevelopment of the Sands Centre, the next phase of the project is focussing on improvement works to the adjacent car parks.  Following a site survey, it has been identified that a number of tree are not only in poor condition, but their root growth is leading to damage to the car park surface, pavements and Listed boundary wall, creating trip hazards and other structural stability concerns.  The trees are in poor condition and a state of decline having outgrown their trees pits with insufficient access to water and nutrients, the trees have also suffered impacts from vehicles over the years.  Two trees located on the car park perimeter in very close proximity to the Listed fence.  We noted the significant damage to the footpath surface where tree roots were breaking through.  

The planting of replacement trees in the same location was thought to be a difficult task particularly for trees given the size and likely depth of the existing stump and roots and the difficulty of grinding out the existing stump to sufficient depth to support a new tree. Trees and car parks are not always a good mix leading to problems and complaints for customer from sticky deposits, bird droppings, leaf fall, etc. 

Planting of replacement trees will therefore be undertaken in alternative locations.  The final details in this regard are still being developed in terms of location and number.  The suggested ratio is the planting of 5:1.  Five trees planted for each removed. 

To take no action.  This is not recommended,  The trees are in poor condition and lack the ability to source water to assist in feeding the trees as well as damage to the pavement and listed fence is of concern.  Action would therefore be needed later, incurring avoidable costs for the Council through ongoing root damage, to new surfaces, further damage to the Listed boundary walls and pavements, with associated risks of slips, trips and falls - leading to financial loss and reputational damage. 

None. 

N/A

No

1 November 2022

2 November 2022

N/A

2 November 2022

25 October 2022.