13 St Bonnet Drive Bishops Waltham Southampton Hampshire SO32 1SY
The Hornbeam in the location depicted on the uploaded map is approximately 14 to15 metres high and 6 to 8 metres diameter; it has grown approximately 2 metres over the past 3 years or so. Whilst attractive to the eye at distance when approaching over the pond bridge from the west or from St Bonnet Drive to the east; in its immediate vicinity it is less so. It dominates the properties on either side particularly blocking natural light and is the source of detritus from fallen branches, leaves, bird droppings, etc, on the footpath, parking areas and in gardens. The root system is lifting the paving and pavement creating trip hazards for the many footpath and bridge users.To date, the tree has been cut back near vertically to the boundary of 12 St Bonnet Drive, a large vertical gouge has been made to clear the street lamp at the entrance to the bridge and a few minor branches have been removed to give 2 metres clearance of the house corner of 13 St Bonnet Drive. The result is a very tall, visually distorted, unbalanced crown and canopy hanging over the boundary and dominating the garden of 13 St Bonnet Drive.Mr Andrew Giles, WCC's tree surveyor kindly visited the site on 16 October 2023 and observed that the tree should be managed in a manner to last 5-8 years. Carry out 1.5 - 2m balanced crown reduction of the Hornbeam along witha proportionate lift to clear branches above the parking area of 13 St Bonnet Drive and the fence line of 12 St Bonnet Drive. (Amended)