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Planning application

4 Oatlands Drive Weybridge Surrey KT13 9JL

Refused Elmbridge 2026/0755 Tree Preservation Order

Works: Trees

Refused. Only the applicant can appeal, within the statutory time limit, and a revised scheme can be submitted instead.

Proposal

Tree Preservation Order EL:12/25 - I am writing to request the Council's consent to fell the Horse Chestnut tree protected within Group G1 of Tree Preservation Order (TPO) EL:12/25 at 4 Oatlands Drive, KT13 9JL. The tree shows clear signs of decay and structural compromise. It leans toward the boundary and overhangs the public footpath that runs alongside the property boundary near Walton Bridge. This footpath is well used, particularly at weekends, and the tree's condition presents a risk to public safety. The relevant tree is the Horse Chestnut identified in the TPO as part of Group G1 ("1 x Horse Chestnut, 1 x Ash") for land at 4-16 Oatlands Drive, Weybridge, KT13 9JL. The Horse Chestnut shows a substantial stem cavity/hole with evidence consistent with internal decay/rot (see photographs). The Ash shows extensive basal/butt decay and structural compromise with a pronounced lean toward the boundary. Permission has already been granted for works to fell this tree and plant replacement(s) Both trees are adjacent to a busy public footpath along the boundary near Walton Bridge; failure of either tree (or major parts) could impact footpath users, fencing and neighbouring land. Access, traffic management and protection of the public footpath: Because of the proximity to the public footpath and the anticipated weight of timber sections, the works will require appropriate site controls and access arrangements: - Temporary public footpath closure for the duration of dismantling operations, with suitable signage/barriers and a safe exclusion zone. - The ability for the two bollards on the path to be unlocked to allow platform access positioned beside the tree(s) for safe dismantling and lifting of heavy timber. - The appointed contractor (Andy's Gardening Services, email: [email protected]) will provide rubber matting/ground protection to protect the path surface from plant and timber movement. Kam Rai - TPO EL:12/25 (Group G1) supplementary application |

As published by the council, reference 2026/0755

Application record

Reference
2026/0755
Type
Tree Preservation Order
Status
Final Decision
Decision
Refused As published: Refuse Proposed Tree Work
Received
2 Feb 2026
Validated
2 Feb 2026
Decided
14 Apr 2026
Ward
Walton Central Ward
Decision by
Officer delegated
Postcode
KT13 9JL

Site history

Applications at this address on the Elmbridge register

This site has had 2 applications since 2026: 1 approved, 1 refused.

  • 2026/0121 Granted

    4 Oatlands Drive Weybridge Surrey KT13 9JL

    Tree Preservation Order EL:12/25 - Date of photographs submitted: Friday 9 January 20261) Tree identificationThis application relates to the Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) within Group G1 protected by Tree Preservation Order EL:12/25. The Schedule records G1 as "1x Horse Chestnut, 1x Ash", and the group is shown on the TPO plan.EL 12-25 TPO KT13 9JL 2) Proposed works Fell the Ash within Group G1 to as near ground level as practicable, using sectional dismantling where required for safety. Remove all arisings from site. Stump grinding or stump treatment (if permitted/required) to remove the residual hazard and prevent regrowth.3) Reasons for works (dangerous condition + public safety risk)The Ash is considered dangerous due to advanced decay at the base/anchorage and a pronounced lean, in a location where failure would pose a significant risk to the public and property.Condition evidence (photographs dated Fri 9 Jan 2026):The base shows extensive decay/cavities around the lower stem and buttress-root area, including loss of sound wood and areas of soft, degraded/crumbly material, indicating a likely reduction in structural integrity and anchorage.The tree has a noticeable lean and an asymmetric form, which increases concern that compromised anchorage and basal decay could lead to whole-tree or partial failure (particularly during strong winds or saturated ground conditions).Why pruning is not sufficient:The principal defects relate to the base/anchorage, so crown reduction/pruning would not address the underlying structural risk. 4) Targets / location riskThe tree stands along the boundary adjoining a busy public footpath leading towards/near Walton Bridge, with high pedestrian use (especially at weekends).The tree also affects/overhangs our garden.Given the high target use and proximity, the consequence of failure is unacceptable.5) Evidence submitted Appendix A: Photographs dated Fri 9 Jan 2026 showing basal decay/cavity, lean, and c

    Decided 9 Feb 2026 Trees

Timeline

Dates from the published record

  1. 2 Feb 2026

    Received by Elmbridge

  2. 14 Apr 2026

    Decision issued: Refuse Proposed Tree Work

  3. 30 Jul 2026

    Added to PlanIndex

Documents

Plans, drawings, consultee responses and the officer's report

6 documents on file for this application

A planning file usually holds the application form, drawings and site plans, consultee responses, the officer's report and the decision notice.

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Open the documents

What this refusal means

Elmbridge refused this application for the reasons on the decision notice; only the applicant can appeal, and refused schemes often return in revised form. More in our guide to what happens after a planning decision.

About tree works applications

Applications for works to trees cover protected trees: consent under a tree preservation order, or six weeks notice for trees in a conservation area. More in our guide to planning application types.

Nearby applications

Within 0.3 miles

  • 4 - 6 Oatlands Drive Weybridge Surrey KT13 9JL

    2022/2118 Submitted 6 Jul 2022 50 yards away

    Development comprising 2 detached buildings with 27 flats in total, with associated car parking, cycle and refuse storage, amenity areas and shared access following demolition of existing 2 houses.

    Refused Full applications New dwelling Demolition 112 docs
    Major scheme

  • 4 Oatlands Drive Weybridge Surrey KT13 9JL

    2026/0121 Submitted 9 Jan 2026 50 yards away

    Tree Preservation Order EL:12/25 - Date of photographs submitted: Friday 9 January 20261) Tree identificationThis application relates to the Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) within Group G1 protected by Tree Preservation Order EL:12/25. The Schedule records G1 as "1x Horse Chestnut, 1x Ash", and the group is shown on the TPO plan.EL 12-25 TPO KT13 9JL 2) Proposed works Fell the Ash within Group G1 to as near ground level as practicable, using sectional dismantling where required for safety. Remove all arisings from site. Stump grinding or stump treatment (if permitted/required) to remove the residual hazard and prevent regrowth.3) Reasons for works (dangerous condition + public safety risk)The Ash is considered dangerous due to advanced decay at the base/anchorage and a pronounced lean, in a location where failure would pose a significant risk to the public and property.Condition evidence (photographs dated Fri 9 Jan 2026):The base shows extensive decay/cavities around the lower stem and buttress-root area, including loss of sound wood and areas of soft, degraded/crumbly material, indicating a likely reduction in structural integrity and anchorage.The tree has a noticeable lean and an asymmetric form, which increases concern that compromised anchorage and basal decay could lead to whole-tree or partial failure (particularly during strong winds or saturated ground conditions).Why pruning is not sufficient:The principal defects relate to the base/anchorage, so crown reduction/pruning would not address the underlying structural risk. 4) Targets / location riskThe tree stands along the boundary adjoining a busy public footpath leading towards/near Walton Bridge, with high pedestrian use (especially at weekends).The tree also affects/overhangs our garden.Given the high target use and proximity, the consequence of failure is unacceptable.5) Evidence submitted Appendix A: Photographs dated Fri 9 Jan 2026 showing basal decay/cavity, lean, and c

    Granted Trees 14 docs

  • 8-14 Oatlands Drive Weybridge Surrey KT13 9JL

    2022/0567 Submitted 22 Feb 2022 50 yards away

    Confirmation of Compliance with Condition: 43 (Materials details) of planning permission 2020/3223.

    Decided Conditions 3 docs

  • 2 New Zealand Avenue Walton-On-Thames Surrey KT12 1PU

    2022/0344 Submitted 4 Feb 2022 50 yards away

    Two-storey side extension, single-storey rear extension, front bay window and increase in ridge height incorporating front, side and rear dormer windows to create 2 extra flats.

    Refused Full applications New dwelling Extension +3 46 docs
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  • 8-14 Oatlands Drive Weybridge Surrey KT13 9JL

    2022/2274 Submitted 20 Jul 2022 50 yards away

    Confirmation of Compliance with Condition: 55 (Sensitive Lighting Management Plan) of planning permission 2020/3223.

    Decided Conditions 5 docs

  • 8-14 Oatlands Drive Weybridge Surrey KT13 9JL

    2022/1138 Submitted 8 Apr 2022 50 yards away

    Confirmation of Compliance with Condition: 36 (Remediation Method Statement) of planning permission 2020/3223.

    Refused Conditions 5 docs

In Elmbridge

  • 2026/1905 Granted

    Oatlands Court St Marys Road Weybridge Surrey KT13 9QE

    Tree Preservation Order EL:04/13 - T4, Oak, Reduce the crown/stem height by approximately 3m, including removal of the larger lateral branch extending West from the main stem, back to suitable lateral growth points on the North and South sides at an approximate height of 8m. Reduce the radial spread of the crown by approximately 1.5m to the North and South, and by approximately 2m to the South-West over the road. Prune the remaining crown as needed to achieve an even crown form.

    Received 4 Aug, published by the council 14 Aug 2026 Trees
  • 2026/1836 Granted

    Land Side of Portsmouth Road Portsmouth Road Cobham KT11 2NH

    Tree Preservation Order EL:18/07 - T1 - Horse chestnut - Proposed Works: Crown lift over the roadside only to provide a minimum clearance of 5.2 metres above ground level. All pruning shall be limited to secondary branches where practicable and carried out in accordance with BS3998:2010 Tree Work Recommendations, with a maximum pruning wound diameter of 50mm. Reason for Proposed Works: Following a tree survey, it was identified that the crown over the carriageway has been subject to contact from larger vehicles in the past. The proposed crown lift will provide appropriate clearance for high-sided vehicles, reducing the likelihood of future vehicle strikes and preventing unnecessary damage to the tree, whilst retaining its long-term health and amenity value.

    Received 28 Jul, published by the council 7 Aug 2026 Trees
  • 2026/1847 Granted

    4 Copse Mews St Marys Road Weybridge Surrey KT13 9PZ

    Tree Preservation Order EL:09/16 - T3 ash tree situated in rear of property - to remove 1 x dead branch hanging over garden, which if falls, could cause injury to occupants and remove other dead wood at the same time

    Received 29 Jul, published by the council 14 Aug 2026 Trees
  • 2026/1745 Granted

    Treetops Oatlands Mere Weybridge Surrey KT13 9PD

    Tree Preservation Order EL:00/09 - T1 - Robinia - Lateral reduction by up to 2 metres to suitable growth points. - Reason for work: To undertake a lateral crown reduction of up to 2 metres on the Robinia, where it overhangs the client's garden, pruning back to suitable growth points to maintain the tree within its current lateral dimensions and prevent further encroachment over the garden area. The proposed works are intended as cyclical maintenance to manage the extent of the crown over the neighbouring garden whilst retaining the tree's health, structural integrity and amenity value within the woodland setting. All pruning works shall be carried out in accordance with BS3998:2010 Tree Work Recommendations, with a maximum pruning wound diameter of 40mm, pruning back to suitable secondary growth points. Upon completion, the tree will retain a natural, balanced and flowing crown form appropriate to the species and its woodland location.

    Received 16 Jul, published by the council 14 Aug 2026 Trees
  • 2026/1812 Granted

    15 Fairbourne Cobham Surrey KT11 2BT

    Tree Preservation Order EL:11/10 - T1 - sweet chestnut - Fell and remove stump

    Received 24 Jul, published by the council 7 Aug 2026 Trees