Removal of Cypress Trees (Marked on sketch as T1 - Trees) Fell to ground Due to a ground level change with my neighbour (6 Eliot Close) where the trees are situated, my ground level is higher, and due to the previous owners poor landscaping, damage has been caused to the existing fence and decking area, which now need to be replaced and maintained. I propose to remove the existing trees which provide little in the way of amenity and its loss will not adversely impact on the character or amenity of the area. Once the repairs have been undertaken, I will seek advice for suitable replacement, quantity, species, position and size.

Trees 1 and 2 are both birch trees. They have not produced leaves or shown any growth for over 18 months. A tree surgeon from Special Branch 24/7 Tree Surgeons has identified that they are dead. If they were to fall they could cause damage to fences and the owner's or the neighbour's property. It is proposed that they should be felled. Two similar trees can be planted within 2m of the current locations.

T1 - T8 Conifers - Removal of 8 No. Conifers: Trees are growing up against neighbouring fence and causing damage. They have low amenity value.

Removal of laurel bush - There is a large laurel bush growing at the side of our property on our boundary with 173 Cheylesmore Drive. This is an area which consists of a narrow pathway between the two properties with access to the garden of 173 and a small area of land on our side of the fence. The bush has grown extremely tall and thick and blocks light to the upper windows of 173. It is also pushing their fence over and they have asked for it to be removed. I am concerned that the proximity of such a large trunk right against our foundations may also not be sensible if it is allowed to grow any larger. There is already a crack in this wall. The laurel doesn't really serve any useful purpose and is far too big for the area available. I think that a more appropriately sized shrub or small tree could be planted here to provide good green cover between us and our neighbours without being so large and out of control and would welcome suggestions for something suitable which would be good for wildlife.

Please refer to our advisors report. The proposal is to retain the existing chestnut pail fence and construct a new fence with a wooden post and panel fence at 2m tall. This will be erected as close as possible to the existing boundary fence. The specification provided by the client is a contemporary style screening will be fitted along the existing rear boundary fence line. To permit the development to proceed, it will be necessary to remove some stems of H5, a privet hedge, to which the largest stem diameter was recorded at 85mm. Some minor trees below 75mm in stem diameter were on the site but not assessed. These may need to be removed as part of the development programme - none of which should have any detrimental effect. All other trees are to be retained.