SG188HP next to 21

Updates

• State changed to: Investigating

  Updated by Central Bedfordshire Council at 15:38, Sun 15 June 2025

• Thank you for your Highways report.

  We had work undertaken at the end of last year to raise the canopy of the tree - as per our policy we are not obliged to heavily cut back trees that may overhang property. If roots are damaging structures/private property, we require evidence through building insurers (an Arboriculture report) that it is the tree that is causing the issues described, and the appropriate cause of action for CBC to take, as tree removal can lead to heave within the soil and cause additional damage. If it is believed that the tree is responsible for damage to your property, please see below.

  Tree related subsidence occurs when a tree or trees removes water from a shrinkable clay soil; causing the soil to contract and can result in structural damage to properties. The Highways Department does not accept, as a matter of course, that tree related subsidence is the cause of structural damage to property. Evidence is required to support any claim.
  All claims of subsidence relating to highway-maintained trees are administered by the Councils Insurance Team. Cases of subsidence are often complex and require a broad range of information to be considered adequately as such. The Council requires the following information to investigate a claim of subsidence * :
  ? Description of type of damage
  ? Indication of seasonal movement
  ? Levels and distortion survey
  ? Visual evidence of damage
  ? Depth of foundations demonstrated from excavated trial holes
  ? Analysis of soil type under foundation
  ? Presence and identification of tree roots

  Many thanks,
  Central Bedfordshire Council Highways

  State changed to: In progress

  Posted by Central Bedfordshire Council at 13:57, Mon 16 June 2025