Over a year since a request was sent to the Sheffield City Council for the protection of three mature trees on Moorbank Road, Sheffield, the decision to approve the recommendations has finally been made.
On the 23rd March, 2023, a member of the public requested for two beech trees and a lime tree outside house number 47 on Moorbank Road to be placed under the Tree Preservation Order due to the house reportedly being unused and that a change in ownership would be likely.
However, two objections were made against this Order by part owners of the property on the 15th December 2023.
In a letter conveying the objections, the part owners placed doubt on whether the trees really needed protection, and that by having to obtain permission from the council to attend to their trees, their conditions may worsen.
In a letter to the council part owners wrote: “The trees have always been maintained to a good standard. It would be devastating for us and them if we are unable to give them the care and attention they deserve.”
The council responded to this, saying that “A TPO does not prevent owners from maintaining their trees” and that “consent should be granted when shown to be justified”.
The site was visited by Vanessa Lyons, the Community Tree Officer, who stated in her report that the house appeared unoccupied, and that the safety of trees can be brought into question when there is the possibility of a change in ownership.
As a result of this, it was seen as being in the interest of the trees to make them subject to the Tree Preservation Order.
Despite this, the part owners reinforced their disapproval and wrote: “The unexpected process has been very stressful and has caused a great deal of upset and anxiety to our family in already stressful and trying circumstances.”
Vanessa Lyons continued to support the recommendation, as she said: “I am confident that we fulfilled our duty to make all relevant parties aware of the making of the TPO.”
After all objections and responses were heard by the council, the planning and highways committee came to the unanimous decision to approve the recommendation of a Tree Preservation Order, providing an answer to the request made over a year ago.
