We have a Sweet Chestnut tree (T1 on map) subject to a Tree Preservation Order (64/2009 (your previous ref: 09S64-1718)) situated in our front garden. Unfortunately the tree has deteriorated in health in the past few years. In 2019, I asked for a professional opinion from Jasper Fulford-Dobson who advised to keep a watching brief but as >50% of the tree seemed to be dead (not in leaf at all), he suspected the tree was dying and would not recover. His thought was that it was caused by Sweet Chestnut blight. His report is enclosed from 2019 The tree has declined in health since the report therefore it is with a heavy heart that I am requesting permission to fell the tree. It straddles both No.4 and our house at No.5 and there are now obvious large branches that represent a risk to cars, property and life. I contacted Jasper (in May) in an email correspondence with the following reply "Sounds like there is little hope of recovery and the tree has reached the end of its safe and useful life"

5 The Chestnuts, Lower Shiplake, RG9 3JZ