33 Hill Top Avenue Cheadle Hulme Stockport SK8 7HZ
It is the tallest cypress-type conifer. It is the one marked with a red X in both the plan view and street scene photographs. It is located only 2.5 metres from the front door and main elevation of the house and also 2.3 metres from the nearest corner of the bay window. It is taller than the roofline of the house: I estimate around 6 metres tall. The tree is a non-native species that has now grown too large in an unsuitable location. I hereby seek permission to remove this tree because there are clear signs that it is seriously damaging our home by causing movement/subsidence. Please see photographs showing a large interior crack above the front door and other cracking, plus cracking to the exterior pointing in the photographs called exterior cracking and exterior cracking 2. The front door is sticking badly due to movement that has occurred and other diagonal cracks have appeared in the hall, adjacent sitting room, and the room above the hall. Additional photographs of this can be supplied on request. This is most likely due to movement/subsidence now being caused by the tree and is a cause for genuine concern. The tree therefore needs to be removed before the damage worsens and spreads to the adjoining house (31 Hill Top Avenue). The houses are Edwardian with only brick corbel foundations on clay. At risk of damage from the tree are features of both houses which contribute to the special character of the Conservation Area, notably the large bay windows with original tile facades and an original storm porch (see street scene photograph).I have shown the damage to Mr Fallon at 31 Hill Top Avenue and he recommended removal of the tree. He is a surveyor. I spoke to Peter Pollard of Stockport Council's Aboriculture Team on 8 December to inform him of my intention to carry out these works and to get advice on how to precede with this application, for which I am grateful. HAR/CA26.