Rectory Barn, East Portlemouth

As we said in our objection, with any application to fell protected trees a balancing exercise needs to be undertaken. The essential need for the works applied for must be weighed against the resultant loss to the amenity of the area.
While we acknowledged that some of the trees with advanced ash dieback would need to be removed on public safety grounds, the trees that presented negligible risk should be retained, we said, at the same time arguing that the extent of the proposed felling, thinning and coppicing would be detrimental to the character and appearance of the area.
Unfortunately, while accepting there would be some impact on local amenity, the tree officer concluded the works were arboriculturally appropriate and necessary.
The works were allowed.