DC/25/140031

Description

FRONT/SIDE: ONE Beech (T1 in TPO A2)(ht.24m) FELL. Reason: The tree works are proposed to stop the influence of the tree(s) on the soil below building foundation level and provide long term stability to adjacent Wood Cottage, Dome Hill Park London SE26 6SP, proposed replanting - see informatives and conditions below (Silver Birch is not sufficiently large canopy replacement species).FRONT/SIDE: ONE Beech (T2 in TPO A2)(ht.24m) FELL. Reason: The tree works are proposed to stop the influence of the tree(s) on the soil below building foundation level and provide long term stability to adjacent Wood Cottage, Dome Hill Park London SE26 6SP, proposed replanting - see informatives and conditions below (Hawthorn is not sufficiently large canopy replacement species).The County of London (Lewisham No.2)(Dome Hill Park, Sydenham Hill) Tree Preservation Order, 1957 Informative A: retention of the 2 beech trees is encouraged or retention of one beech tree, together with alternative mitigation. A feasibility study of a flexible copper impregnated root barrier is encouraged, and consideration of underpinning or piles to stabilise the side extension's shallow foundations as site investigation reports are not conclusive that the two beech trees are the main influence causing structural issues at Wood Cottage. The agent's email reply dated 12.11.25 to the tree officer's email of 20.8.25 indicates indicates they are happy to review alternative mitigation proposals. Informative B: The main issue appears to be the very shallow foundations of the left-hand extension of Wood Cottage which has only 300mm foundation with no projection (TP/BH2), which is well below current NHBC foundation guidance and additionally the agent confirms in email 12.11.25 the soil samples from (TP/BH2) are very soft and gravelly. As the extension is located on the SE side of the original house where the ground slopes away, ground movement is likely even without the proximity of the beech trees. Informative C: latest level monitoring in Oct 2025 confirms most movement is at the front of Wood Cottage (points 5 and 6) where the very shallow (300mm) foundations of the left-hand extension on soft soils are likely to be causing the differential movement at the junction with the original house with 1.1m foundations (TP/BH1). Informative D: crack monitoring and photographs are of internal cracks only, classed as category 2 ? 'slight' in BRE Digest 251 for low-rise buildings, which can usually be managed with decorative repairs.Informative E: the soil in all three TP/BHs is of Intermediate plasticity (change potential) which is the second lowest in the plasticity scale of: Low, Intermediate, High, Very High, Extremely High. This means there is low potential for significant ground movement and subsidence from the influence of tree roots. However, heave is a possibility if the beech trees are removed. The original house was built in 1938 with the later extension. With diameter of 650mm the beech trees are approx.80yrs old and likely to predate the extension. Informative F: the Engineering final report is incorrect in stating the clay is significantly desiccated below foundation depth. Except for depth 2.4m in TP/BH2, at all other depths in TP/BH1, TP/BH2, TP/BH3 soils are not desiccated. Also, there has not been a drainage survey to check for defective drains which is a common cause of ground movement (NHBC ? Guidance Notes Cracking in homes). Informative G: if felling of one or both beech trees is undertaken, please leave high stump(s) with trunk(s) left lying on site and habitat log piles created from arisings for wildlife and biodiversity. Informative H: The Bat Conservation Trust advises checking thoroughly for roosting bats before and during tree works with soft fell process followed to proceed with care and with cut timber left grounded over night to allow any bats to make their way out, tree works ideally during Sept/Oct to avoid maternity and hibernation seasons when bats are most vulnerable to disturbance.Informative I: 2x replacement trees are a condition of the decision notice (see condition 2 below) species to be two Hornbeam trees to be planted on the third-party property, The Beeches, to maintain the urban forest character of Dome Hill Park and the adjacent Hillcrest Estate (High Level Drive) Ancient Woodland Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC). Hornbeam is a large canopy species of the former Great North Wood which spanned high ground across this area and is a species in the NHBC low water demand list.

Council Website

Address

THE BEECHES, DOME HILL PARK, LONDON, SE26 6SP

Postcode

SE26 6SP

UPRN

100021952910

Coordinates

51.429161500000000, -0.073284000000000

Source: Application UPRN