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Large tree by a public footpath between houses.

Reported via desktop in the Trees category anonymously at 15:05, Sunday 13 October 2024

Sent to Central Bedfordshire Council less than a minute later. Council ref: 413104.

The large overhanging tree is encroaching onto my property. The tree has grown extensively year on year and now covers a significant portion of my garden and covers one side of my roofing. This tree is causing multiple problems: - The tree is blocking sunlight from reaching my garden, negatively affecting the enjoyment and utility of my outdoor space. - Numerous branches are falling onto my property, creating a safety hazard. - The tree has already caused damage to my roof tiles, which required repairs. The branches are now touching my roof tiles, and during windy conditions, they bash against the roof, potentially causing further damage.

I am very concerned that if this issue is not addressed promptly, the tree will cause more extensive damage to my roofing, resulting in costly repairs that could have been avoided.

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Updates

  • State changed to: Investigating

    Updated by Central Bedfordshire Council at 15:06, Sunday 13 October 2024

  • Thank you for your Highways report.

    We are currently assessing the matter and further information is currently being collated to assist us. If anything further is required from yourself as the person reporting the issue, one of our engineers will contact you using the contact details provided.
    Many thanks,
    Central Bedfordshire Council Highways

    State changed to: In progress

    Posted by Central Bedfordshire Council at 15:30, Tuesday 22 October 2024

  • Thank you for your Highways report.
    We have inspected the area but were unable to find the issue you reported at the location provided in your report.
    If this is still an issue please provide further information on your report to help us locate the problem.

    Overhanging Trees and Common Law Rights
    You have a legal right under Common Law to deal with the nuisance associated with overhanging
    vegetation. Where a council-maintained tree is involved, if you deem it necessary to prune over
    hanging trees, please note the following:
    • You may only remove those parts of the tree from the point they cross the boundary to
    your property.
    • There is no legal right to remove any part of a tree that is not overhanging your property.
    • You may be liable for prosecution by the tree owner if any action you take leads to the
    death of a tree.
    • The Council recommends consulting a professional tree surgeon for guidance on best
    practice for pruning back overhanging trees, unless the work is small enough to be carried
    out with hand secateurs or similar.
    • The Council advises that the tree owner is informed before any planned work is carried
    out.
    • Before work begins, you must ensure the tree is not subject to a Tree Protection Order TPO
    or within a Conservation Area. If either condition is relevant, consent is required from the
    Council’s planning department. Guidance from Planning can be found here.
    It is advisable to enter into discussions with neighbours where there is an intention to prune back
    encroaching branches. Legally, the branches are the property of the tree owner and should
    therefore be offered back to the tree owner, but in general you should make arrangements for
    disposal. If the encroachment is due to a Council-owned tree, then any cuttings must be disposed
    of and not returned to Central Bedfordshire Council land as this could cause an obstruction.
    Throwing cut material over your fence, without permission, from the neighbouring landowner
    constitutes fly-tipping which is a criminal offence

    Many thanks,
    Central Bedfordshire Council Highways

    State changed to: Closed

    Posted by Central Bedfordshire Council at 15:33, Wednesday 30 October 2024

This report is now closed to updates from the public. You can make a new report in the same location.