As we said in our objection the threatened trees, which contribute significant public visual amenity benefits to the wider sylvan setting of the area – much enhanced by the open coastal aspect and multiple local medium and long range view receptors, were rightfully afforded protection by TPO 86.

Objecting to the application we argued the proposal constituted a level of erosion and degradation to the wooded landscape conflicting with the protection objectives that had been set out in the Neighbourhood Development Plan.

The town council also objected, noting that documents in support of the application were either inadequate or missing, and that garden management was insufficient justification for undertaking works on trees protected by a TPO.

In assessing the application the tree officer issued a split decision that refused all elements, but allowed the felling of T235 Beech and T236 Pine, requiring their replacement by way of a replanting Condition of the same species.