Application HARINGEY/HGY/2026/2994

As filed with the council

T1: Lime Tree (Tilia species) – Located on the rear boundary line at the southwest corner of the building.  PROPOSED WORKS: Fell to ground level (complete removal) and grind out stump. 1. Structural Hazard to Adjacent Window Bay: The tree exhibits a severe, unnatural trunk lean angled directly toward the adjacent residential window bay. During high wind events, dynamic sail-loading (compounded by heavy ivy) creates continuous leverage on the slender trunk, posing an imminent risk of failure into habitable rooms.  2. Inadequacy of Previous Pruning (Ref: HGY/2026/2273): Approval under HGY/2026/2273 pruned branches to 2m clearance, but failed to resolve the primary hazard: the structural lean of the main trunk toward the windows.  3. Documented Branch Failures & Active Structural Instability: The tree has a documented history of branch failure, with fallen branches already recorded on site. This active shedding demonstrates structural weakness within the crown canopy, which—when combined with heavy foliage and dense ivy—creates dynamic sail-loading and excessive leverage on an already leaning trunk. 4. Structural Hazard & Direct Proximity: The severe, unnatural trunk lean is angled directly toward the adjacent residential window bay. Given the history of branch drop and the trunk’s angle, high wind events pose an imminent, unacceptable risk of major structural failure into habitable rooms. 5. Request for Site Visit: Report HGY/2026/2273 noted no site visit was conducted. An in-person assessment is requested to evaluate the trunk angle and structural proximity to the window bay.  6. Low Amenity: The tree is not publicly visible and holds minimal amenity value relative to the risk to adjacent windows. While pollarding or pruning was previously considered, it is no longer a viable or safe solution for this specific tree. Previous pruning (Ref: HGY/2026/2273) failed to address the core problem: a severe, fundamental structural lean of the main trunk directly toward the residential window bay. Pruning does not correct root plate instability or prevent the leaning trunk from failing under heavy wind loads. We actively welcome and request an in-person site visit by a Haringey Tree Officer to verify the severe trunk angle and structural risk to the window bay, addressing previous concerns regarding assessments (if applicable).