PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT
List as Protected Trees
Lime trees at Clarence Terrace, Clarence Road, St Helier
Purpose of the Report
The purpose of this report is for the Minister to consider the Listing of four lime trees at Clarence Terrace, Clarence Road, St Helier as Protected Trees under the Planning and Building (Jersey) Law 2002.
Background and discussion
In September 2006 the department received correspondence from the managing agent of properties in Clarence Terrace of the landowner’s intent to remove at least three trees at the front of this property. The basis for removing the trees was the apparent damage caused to vehicles parked underneath from the deposition of sap (correspondence at appendix 1).
Clarence Terrace is a registered (BLI) pre-1834 terrace of six 3-bay, 3-storey houses with 3 pairs of grand Doric porticoes with half-glazed panelled doors set back from Clarence Road with the frontage bounded by a low granite wall complete with Fleur-de-lys railings. Four lime trees sit behind these railings and, together with the buildings, present a period set-piece of townscape (plan and images at appendix 2).
The essential basis of the building’s registration is its contribution to the townscape and character of this part of the town. The trees make a similarly important contribution to townscape and are part of the setting of the buildings in addition to which they have their own intrinsic value. The trees’ contribution to amenity is considered sufficient to warrant their protection from being cut down, lopped or otherwise altered.
Owing to the clear threat of removal of the trees and their townscape value a notice was served on the owner of the building (via the agent) and the site on 08 November 2006 under the auspices of Article 60 of the Planning and Building (Jersey) Law 2002 to provisionally add the trees to the List of Protected Trees under delegated powers.
The process of provisionally Listing trees provides the owner with 28 days to make representations. In this case, no representations have been received.
The advice of the T&TS Arboricultural Officer has been sought (see appendix 3) who is supportive of the retention of the trees on the basis of their contribution to amenity, their good vigour and relative lack of decay. In commenting on these lime trees, he has acknowledged the problem of honey dew sap but has set out a management regime which may reduce the problem and has also advised as to how the sap might be dealt with.
Recommendation
On the basis of the above, and with reference to the papers attached, the Minister for Planning and Environment is recommended to confirm the Listing of four lime trees, at Clarence Terrace, Clarence Road, St Helier, in the location identified on the attached plan (at appendix 2), as Protected Trees under the provisions of Article 58(2) Planning and Building (Jersey) Law 2002 by virtue of the trees’ contribution to amenity.
Reason(s) for Decision
The contribution of four lime trees at Clarence Terrace, Clarence Road, St Helier to the amenity of the Island, is considered sufficient to warrant their protection from being cut down, lopped or otherwise altered and justifies their inclusion in the List of Protected Trees in accordance with the provisions and purposes of the Planning and Building (Jersey) Law 2002.
Action Required
1. Update the Register
2. Notify the land owner of the Minister’s decision and advise of an appropriate management regime to reduce and manage the impact of honey dew;
3. Notify Development Control
Written by: | Kevin Pilley Assistant Director: Planning and Building Services |
Attachments:
Appendix 1: Representation from Clyde-Smith Management dated 26 September 2006 on behalf of the owner (Exempt 3.2.1(b))
Appendix 2: plans and images of the trees and site
Appendix 3: Advice of Arboricultural Officer (email dated 07 November 2006)
1/05/02/2
15 January 2007