The post you are reporting:
Last Sunday a tree outside the Health Centre was felled.It is rumoured that further trees will be felled this Sunday
The Dover Society had several people ask what was going on. All this week I have had contact with DDC Planning and, to be fair, they have investigated. Our concern that there was no planning notices or consultation.
I quote below the reply Mike Dawson has obtained for us from Anne Russell:
"Yes, I was aware that this tree was scheduled to be felled. Kent Highway Services (KHS) gives DDC prior notification of proposed works to highway trees in our district and invites comments. They do, however, have the right to carry out works on safety grounds without the need to obtain consent from the Council, even where trees are protected by tree preservation order (TPO) or are within a conservation area.
The tree in question is located within a public footway, and adjacent to the public highway and is close to Dover Health Centre,The tree has been in decline for several years, I estimate there was 40% dead wood in its crown, so on safety grounds it would be difficult to object to its removal, and we could certainly have not justified protecting it by TPO because of its condition and public safety issues.
With regard to replanting, KHS are replanting trees in the Dover Distric on a regular basis, only yesterday I was notified by them six replacement trees that are to be planted, five in Dover one in Wingham. In the case of the tree at Dover Health Centre, my opinion is that replacing would not be practical because it was located in the middle of the footway and caused a partial obstruction, particularly to wheelchair users. However this has not been confirmed by KHS"
The tree was one of the original trees (over 100yrs old) and the stump (3' 6'' diamater) shows no sign of disease or rot. Indeed regular crown topping of 30% is done so if the tree (as stated known of its decline for years) had been dealt with it would still be there to-day.
The tree was possibly there before the pavement as it deviates behind (away from the road) and has a clea width of 5' 6''. My 85 year old mother-in-law regularly uses her mobility scooter past this point with no difficulty.
If the council want to keep pavements clear for pedestrians (which is what they are intended) then what about cars blocking pedestrian access (a point I think Howard has made on this Forum)
Is this KCC Highways doing another "Safety Barrier" activity.
I have passed all copies of e-mails to our two KCC Councillors seeking their intervention to stop (if true) further felling this Sunday.
With this type of action how long before other tree lined streets/avenues will be losing their trees.