1no. Ash (T6) - Crown reduction and topping by approx. 2-2.5m - as indicated in redline in sketch plan - to reduce shading and promote healthy growth. Maintenance.

1. REFUSE: 1no. Ash (T6) - Crown reduction and topping by approx. 2-2.5m - as indicated in redline in sketch plan
2. Reasons for refusal: 1. The application ash, T6 is an early-mature tree in apparent good health. It provides benefit in terms of public, visual amenity and is an asset to the Botley/Winchester Road Conservation Area. As such, justification to substantially prune a tree should be strong and compelling. 2. In respect of pruning to relieve shading, no advice has been provided which would explain how shading would be an issue. However it is apparent that there are solar panels now installed to the east-facing roof which will no doubt become shaded by the tree for part of the day. Some shading to the garden and rear-facing rooms is also inevitable. This can be relieved by less-severe pruning e.g. a combination of crownlifting and selective pruning to provide greater separation from the western aspect of the crown from the building. 3. In respect of the proposed pruning being intended to improve tree health, no advice has been provided which would explain why tree health needs to be improved or how pruning will achieve this. The removal of live parts of the tree will only cause it stress, leaving it more susceptible to pests, disease and other forms of environmental stress. 4. The current natural appearance of the tree will be diminished by crown reduction. This would adversely impact on tree health, visual amenity and the character of the Botley/Winchester Road Conservation Area. As such, the application has been refused consent.

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