The Planning Committee will decide tomorrow (Wednesday, 16 July) whether to protect an oak tree in Whitton.

The tree is located outside the front of 328 Nelson Road, in a publicly owned grass verge between the pavement and the road.

Described by the planning department as "mature" with "good form and character", the oak is clearly visible along Nelson Road, from the junction with Hospital Bridge Road to the junction with Collingwood Close.

The Council was made aware of an intention to prune the tree back to the boundary line of the property it overhangs.

A temporary Tree Preservation Order (TPO), TP25/0009 of 2025, has been served to prevent excessive pruning, and objections have been received.

One objection was submitted by Mr Adrian Cadogan.

In the planning officer's summary of the objection, they wrote: "The TPO was served via an unannounced visit, the guidance given prior to serving the TPO was inconsistent and the serving of the TPO is obstructive...

"That the professional advice obtained by the owner following council guidance was dismissed by the Council without clear feedback, loss of key documentation in the form of the TEMPO assessment of the tree, the tree is not being responsibly managed, the area around the tree is neglected."

A map of the area (credit: Richmond Council).

The planning officer is recommending the TPO be confirmed on the grounds of its amenity value and the expediency of doing so.

As the tree is visible from as far as Hospital Bridge Road and is situated on a B road, roads intended to connect different areas and feed traffic between A roads and smaller local roads, it has "significant" public visual exposure, the report explains.

In addition, the Council has been made aware of plans to prune the tree in a way that could damage its appearance.

Therefore, the planning department deems it appropriate to confirm a TPO to help manage the "severity of any works" should consent be granted.

To read the planning officer's full report, click here.

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