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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

    2020/3223 Submitted 26 Nov 2020 50 yards away

    Development comprising 51 flats with associated parking, access and landscaping following demolition of existing houses.

    Refused Full applications New dwelling Demolition 106 docs
    Major scheme
  • 8-14 Oatlands Drive Weybridge Surrey KT13 9JL

    2020/0691 Submitted 13 Mar 2020 50 yards away

    Development comprising 51 flats with associated parking, access and landscaping following demolition of existing houses.

    Refused Full applications New dwelling Demolition 182 docs
    Major scheme
  • 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
    Small domestic

In Elmbridge

  • 2026/1942 Refused

    29 The Wilderness East Molesey Surrey KT8 0JT

    Tree Preservation Order EL:13/02 - 1. Chestnut tree in rear garden - to reduce by 3 metres - it is dropping dead branches all year round and there is a risk to the young children in the household 2. Ash tree in rear garden - to cut back 3 lower branches for safety reasons

    Received 7 Aug, published by the council 21 Aug 2026 Trees
  • 2026/1938 Split decision

    Tan Coed Caenshill Road Weybridge Surrey KT13 0SW

    Tree Preservation Order EL:05:28 - two mature Oaks which need 15% thinning and removal of deadwood

    Received 7 Aug, published by the council 21 Aug 2026 Trees
  • 2026/1983 Granted

    20 Albany Close Esher Surrey KT10 9JR

    Tree Preservation Order EL:89/15 - T1 - Oak - reduce overall by 3m and raise canopy up to 5m by removing secondary branches to leave a finished height of 15m and a finished spread of 9m. The Oak has developed into a large tree for its present location within a relatively confined rear residential garden, with the crown extending in close proximity to the boundary with the neighbouring property. The proposed works are intended to manage the tree's overall size and crown dimensions in relation to its setting, while retaining its contribution to the local amenity. The proposed work will maintain the tree at a more appropriate scale for its location and will provide greater clearance from the neighbouring property and improve the relationship between the tree and the surrounding residential garden environment. The works are intended as a proportionate management measure rather than removal of the tree, allowing the oak to be retained while reducing its current size and encroachment within a confined residential setting.

    Received 13 Aug, published by the council 25 Aug 2026 Trees
  • 2026/1845 Granted

    Little Heath House The Ridings Cobham Surrey KT11 2PU

    Tree Preservation Order EL:94/18 - T1- Oak tree- The reduction of the entire tree by 3m to reduce the risk of over loaded branches breaking out in high winds. Branches have been breaking out from this tree and the homeowner worries that about ranch will eventually hit the house. Current height 18m, resulting height will be 15m. Width currently 16m, resulting width 10m. Removal of all dead and dangerous branches. T2- Beech tree- Fell- Removal of this tree down to ground level to ease the congestion in the area and allow light through to the area below. Multiple wounds on this tree that haven't healed but have decayed. The upper canopy has been rubbing on neighbouring branches and has intertwined with both Oak trees creating extensive damage to the main stem in the upper canopy creating weak points on the tree. T3- Large Oak tree- Reduce the entire crown of this tree by up to 3 metres. This tree is far too large being so close to the neighbours building and drops lots of debris into the gardens below making the children's play area unusable at times. The tree casts an almighty shadow over the neighbours garden. This tree has a lot of dead wood within the canopy and also has OPM present. Current height 18m, remaining height 15m. Width currently 16m, resulting width 10m. T4- Sweet chestnut tree- This tree creates a lot of debris through out the year and creates a lot of shade over the lawn and plants. To re pollard this tree back to previous pruned areas retaining the lower limb which has the rope swing attached. Regrowth approximately 2.5m of new growth. T5- Sweet chestnut- This tree creates a lot of debris through out the year and creates a lot of shade over the lawn and plants. Reduce the height of this tree by 3 metres, remove all dead wood & all lower basal growth up to the height of 5m. Current height 12m, resulting height 9m.

    Received 29 Jul, published by the council 7 Aug 2026 Trees
  • 2026/1864 Granted

    40 Severn Drive Walton-On-Thames Surrey KT12 3BH

    Tree Preservation Order EL:14/13 - T06 Wild cherry (Prunus avium) - 1/100K Fell tree. T02 Cherry (Prunus sp. 'Cherry') -1/5B Tree stake maintenance T03 Ash 'Raywood' (Fraxinus raywood) - 1/500K - Crown reduce by 4m Remove deadwood - less than 25 mm. Remove deadwood - greater than 25 mm. T04 Ash 'Raywood -(Fraxinus raywood) - 1/500K - Crown reduce by 4m Remove deadwood - less than 25 mm. Remove deadwood - greater than 25 mm. T05 Wild cherry (Prunus avium) 1/500K Crown reduce by 3m T19 Ash 'Raywood' - (Fraxinus raywood) - 1/500K - Crown reduce by 4m Remove deadwood - less than 25 mm. Remove deadwood - greater than 25 mm. T20 Ash 'Raywood' (Fraxinus raywood) - 1/500K - Crown reduce by 4m Remove deadwood - less than 25 mm. Remove deadwood - greater than 25 mm. T21 Ash 'Raywood' (Fraxinus raywood) - 1/500K - Crown reduce by 4m Remove deadwood - less than 25 mm. Remove deadwood - greater than 25 mm. T22 Ash 'Raywood' (Fraxinus raywood) - 1/50K - Crown reduce by 4m Remove deadwood - less than 25 mm. Remove deadwood - greater than 25 mm. T25 Ash 'Raywood' (Fraxinus raywood) - 1/50K - Crown reduce by 4m Remove deadwood - less than 25 mm. Remove deadwood - greater than 25 mm. T26 Ash 'Raywood' (Fraxinus raywood) - 1/50K - Crown reduce by 4m Remove deadwood - less than 25 mm. Remove deadwood - greater than 25 mm.

    Received 30 Jul, published by the council 14 Aug 2026 Trees