Planning application
26/01477/TCA
Westminster Abbey Dean's Yard London SW1P 3PP
Proposal
The first tree in question is a Cercis canadensis. Over the past three years, its overall health has declined significantly. During the summer of 2025, I discussed my concerns with Barbara Milne, Head of Arboricultural Services at Westminster City Council, who I understand acknowledged the issues relating to the tree?s health and its likely continued decline. In light of this, I would like to seek permission to fell the Cercis canadensis prior to further deterioration, with the intention of replanting a more suitable replacement specimen. Adjacent to the Cercis canadensis is a Sorbus aucuparia. Although this tree is not in as advanced a state of decline, it has shown progressive signs of weakening over recent years. There has been an increasing presence of deadwood and a noticeable reduction in foliage during the growing season. While its condition is not as urgent as that of the Cercis canadensis, I would like to enquire whether it may be appropriate to remove the Sorbus aucuparia concurrently, thereby allowing for coordinated replanting and ensuring the long-term health and suitability of the site.
As published by the council, reference 26/01477/TCA
Timeline
Dates from the published record
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9 Mar 2026
Received by Westminster
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11 Mar 2026
Validated
Checked as complete and ready for consideration.
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21 Jul 2026
Added to PlanIndex
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Decision
Awaiting decision
The statutory target is eight weeks for most applications and thirteen for major development. Extensions of time are common.
What happens while it is decided
The process from here
This application is with Westminster for determination. The council publicises it, consults neighbours and technical bodies where required, and weighs the responses against local and national planning policy.
The statutory target is eight weeks for most applications and thirteen for major development, though extensions of time are common. Comments carry most weight while the case is undecided, so check the council portal for the deadline if you want to respond.
About trees applications
How this application type works
Tree applications cover work to protected trees: those under a tree preservation order need consent for pruning or felling, and trees in a conservation area need six weeks written notice before work starts. The council assesses the amenity value of the tree and can refuse consent, approve it with conditions, or in conservation areas make a preservation order in response.
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