In progress
Corner of Church Avenue and Church Street
Sent to Central Bedfordshire Council less than a minute later. Council ref: 429651.
1. a recent RICS survey has identified the trees on the left corner of Church Avenue and Church Street as a problem: 'The large trees in proximity are likely to be at least partially responsible for the visible movement to the boundary wall' 2. they are blocking light from the private garden of 39 Church Street 3. they are not in keeping with the heritage view of the street from this entrance to the town as old photographs show and appear to have been allowed to grow wild with substantial ivy and brambles also established 4. at least one of the trees is a leylandii and has the potential to be significantly harmful in the future 5. there are other newly planted trees a better distance from the boundary wall which will establish over the next few years and be much more appropriate.
Updates
-
-
Hello,
If the trees here are causing damage to property, we require documentation from any investigations carried out to be sent to our Insurance team for us to assess. We won't prune trees/carry out work to trees that are allegedly causing damage without proof/investigations.
There is no 'right to light', and as per our policy, we are not obliged to prune trees back to enable additional light into property. We will only look to prune trees if they are causing obstruction or are a danger. Under common law, residents are entitled to prune back any overhanging/encroaching vegetation back to their boundary.
While the trees have grown and are not as neat as desired, we have to prioritise our work based on risk, so undertaking pruning of these trees would not be a priority at this stage. Additionally, the trees are within the conservation area, so any major works would need to be justified.Many thanks
Central Bedfordshire Council - Highways -
Evidence of damage to boundary wall comes from the survey carried out by Ross Hood AssocRICS (RICS number 6620611) on 23rd July 2025. I can provide the entire document, but there is not a document upload option on this portal that I can find. The following is quoted: Of more concern is the boundary wall on the left hand side of the property which is leaning notably out of plumb, and while no movement was noted when force exhibited on the structure this is leaning beyond what would be considered normal tolerance. Remedial works may require significant rebuilding at a substantial cost and you may therefore wish to ascertain the ownership and maintenance responsibility for this boundary. The large trees in proximity are likely to be at least partially responsible for the visible movement to the boundary wall, and as such establishing the responsibility for pruning and maintenance of these larger areas of growth and mature trees is prudent to prevent issues in future.
-
Evidence of damage to boundary wall comes from the survey carried out by Ross Hood AssocRICS (RICS number 6620611) on 23rd July 2025. I can provide the entire document, but there is not a document upload option on this portal that I can find. The following is quoted: Of more concern is the boundary wall on the left hand side of the property which is leaning notably out of plumb, and while no movement was noted when force exhibited on the structure this is leaning beyond what would be considered normal tolerance. Remedial works may require significant rebuilding at a substantial cost and you may therefore wish to ascertain the ownership and maintenance responsibility for this boundary. The large trees in proximity are likely to be at least partially responsible for the visible movement to the boundary wall, and as such establishing the responsibility for pruning and maintenance of these larger areas of growth and mature trees is prudent to prevent issues in future.
-
Hi - thanks for the reply. Can any details/documents from this be sent to:
HighwayTrees@centralbedfordshire.gov.ukMany thanks
Central Bedfordshire Council - Highways -
Hello. I emailed the requested document to the email address given on 8 December. Can I check that this has been received?
-
Hello. I emailed the requested document to the email address given on 8 December. Can I check that this has been received?
-
We have received the report and will respond via email.
Many thanks,
Central Bedfordshire Council Highways
Only the original reporter may leave updates. If you made the original report please log in to leave an update.