Common Oak - North boundary of staff car park - Basal growth and holly prevent inspection of main stem to south. Dead ivy encroaching entire structure. Tree appears to have been reduced within 2-3 years, poor response growth. Remove basal growth and Holly re-inspect south side of main stem. Re-inspect in summer months to monitor crown vitality. Common Oak - North boundary of staff car park - Percussion test of the main stem with a nylon hammer resonates a tone suggesting decay/hollow extending up to 1m from base on south side. Loose bark present and white mycelium layer and rhizomorphs present beneath bark, suspected Honey Fungus. Tree historically reduced with poor response growth. 5% major deadwood in crown. Remove major deadwood over 50mm in diameter. Due to the suspected colonisation of Honey Fungus further inspection of root collar with use of Sonic Tomography and a Resistograpth is recommended to confirm the presence of decay. Mixed Species Group - North east corner of staff car park - Group of 1no Ash and 1no Oak. No access to both trees due to dense Holly. 1no Ash has damaged boundary fence. 1no Oak has 5% major deadwood in crown. Prune/remove shrubs to allow access to main stems and re-inspect. Remove major deadwood over 50mm in diameter. Common Ash - East boundary of staff car park - Third party tree. Over-extending lateral projecting west over car park. Crown in close proximity to building. Inform third-party owner of duty of care and requirement to inspect, assess and manage the risk posed by the tree.

Proposed single storey front porch, single storey rear extension following demolition of existing conservatory and garage, and proposed new decking area with 1.8m timber boundary fence.

T1 Hazel - Coppice down to 1m - as lapsed coppice beginning to touch fabric of next doors house and pushing the boundary fence over as well as obscuring Ash and other shrubs. Good long term management.

Replacement 1.2m high boundary fence adjacent highway and widening of driveway access within the existing position with new wooden gates.

Prune back trees or remove along property boundary. (approved work fence line clearance and to cut back the overhang)

Erection of single storey rear extension, first floor side extension over existing (altered) garage structure. Construction of 1.8m timber boundary fence to replace garage wall.

Replacement of existing hedge to boundary of property with 1.8 and 2m fencing

For identification and location of the trees, please see enclosed document - Proposed Tree Works Sketch - Hill Top House. The trees are all self-seeded saplings (Ash) in an existing hedge. In early February 2022, the hedge will be professionally laid (South of England style) by a local professional hedge layer. On pre-examination of the hedge, it was identified that 4 self-seeded Ash saplings (T1, T2, T3, T4) that are expected to be cut as part of the laying process have trunk diameters 10cm, 9cm, 10cm and 12cm respectively at 1.5m above ground level. It is proposed to partly cut these 4 saplings close to ground level and lay them over as pleachers for the laid hedge. Any gaps in the laid hedge will be filled with new native hedgerow bare root whips. 50 whips have been purchased for this and are heeled-in ready to be planted. A fifth self-seeded Ash sampling (T5 @ 15cm dia.) is growing just outside the hedge line, through, and damaging, the existing boundary fence. It is proposed to fell this sapling, which has low amenity value, completely. The laid, and filled, hedge will rejuvenate and will represent a much better habitat for wildlife than the hedge currently. Once rejuvenated, it will also look much better from the both the highway and house sides. It will also be lower than currently and will reduce overshadowing of Hill Top House. Please note, on site, the trees in question have had blue taped wrapped around them.

Retrospective planning application for the erection of a 2 metre high close board boundary fence tapering down to 1.2 metres high.

Erection of fencing to boundary wall and erection of open front porch and new brick steps