An order to protect two mature beech trees and one lime tree at a house in Crosspool has been passed after a request from a member of the public.

The request for the order was made on 14 November 2023 after the applicant said they thought the house was ’empty’ and going under a change of ownership.

It had been thought by the applicant that the house, on the corner of Moorbank Road and Burnt Stones Drive, had been unoccupied for several months, however this was disputed by the owner.

Although the council said the trees did not warrant any immediate protection by name, the trees were described by a member of the public as a ‘distinctive feature of the local area’.

Councillor Vanessa Lyons, Community Tree Officer for Sheffield City Council, said: “The trees have a high amenity value and the property itself is called Beechview.”

The site was visited on 1 November 2023 and was deemed to be ‘unoccupied’.

At the site, an assessment was carried out using the Tree Evaluation Method for Preservation Orders and the beech trees were awarded 18 points and the lime tree 17, meaning they both merit protection. 

The homeowner objected the TPO, insisting that the house should not have been said to have been undergoing a change of ownership, and that there are no plans to do so in the immediate future.

The homeowner also said that they were not notified about the assessment of the trees and never received a letter.

In response to the objections, Vanessa, said: “We are confident we fulfilled our duty to make all parties aware” and that the notification of the TPO was sent via ‘first class recorded delivery’.

Despite the objection of the homeowner, the recommendation to pass the TPO was voted for by unanimously all councillors and passed by Councillor Alan Woodcock.

Christine King, from Sheffield Tree Action Groups (STAG), said: “I worry that risk or perceived risk needs to be present for a tree to be assessed for a TPO. I feel if a tree is worthy of protection, it should be protected. 

“Given that if it’s being well cared for, there’s little more burden on the landowner than an email to the Council detailing the works and getting confirmation that it’s suitable for the well-being of their tree.”

The other trees at the property were assessed but did not qualify for protection.

The TPO will prohibit cutting, topping, lopping or uprooting the trees.

Anyone who contravenes TPO is guilty of an offence and is liable to a fine of up to £20,000.

Due to height and proximity to highway, the trees are visible from Burnt Stone Drive and Moorbank Road and have been described as ‘community assets’.