MERCHANT TAYLORS ALMSHOUSES, BRANDRAM ROAD, LONDON, SE13 5RX
FRONT (Merchant Taylors Almshouses, opp 46 Brandram Rd): ONE Zelkova (T1 in TPO)(ht.28m) FELL. Reason: implicated in subsidence of front bay at 46 Brandram Road, felling proposed to stop the influence of the tree on the soil below building foundation level and provide long term stability, to replace with a Zelkova carpinifolia.The London borough of Lewisham (Merchant Taylors Almshouses Brandram Road London SE13 5RX) Tree Preservation Order 2024.Informative A: a replacement tree is a condition of the decision notice, (see condition 2 below) species to be Zelkova carpinifolia, the Caucasian Elm to be planted near to the original location of the Zelkova (TPO T1). Informative B: Submitted investigation reports conclude damage is limited to the front bay at 46 Brandram Road, exacerbated by soil moisture abstraction by vegetation, Zelkova roots found beneath the foundations, foundation depth of 600mm less than current NHBC guidance, the underlying soil is not desiccated, the soil is in the lowest 'Low Plasticity' category (volume change potential), level readings show maximum downward seasonal movement of 6.9mm, crack seasonal movement 2.6mm, damage not considered related to internal or external ground levels or rising damp, a root barrier not an option in this instance, pruning not considered sufficient mitigation, full removal required, and if stabilisation works required, it would be underpinning. Informative C: underpinning is encouraged to address the structural issues in the front bay of no.46 to retain the Zelkova and the treed setting of the Grade II listed Almshouses. Informative D: a heave risk assessment is encouraged with regard to the subject property no.46 and adjacent properties before tree works are undertaken. Informative E: if felled please leave the Zelkova trunk lying on site and create habitat log piles from arisings for wildlife and biodiversity.