Tree to be removed over neighbour damage

Town Councillors have discussed a large tree at Northside Community Centre which is causing damage to a neighbouring property.

The community centre, situated in Canal Road, Newtown has become a subject of concern due to a large large leylandii tree with extensive roots which have caused damage to a retaining wall between the centre and a neighbouring bungalow.

The issue was recently raised by a resident, prompting the town council to assess the situation and propose necessary actions and recommendations.

The concerns brought forward by the resident highlighted visible cracks and bulging in the retaining wall, which is located above the sewer drain for the bungalow. The town council was alerted to the structural damage caused by the leylandii tree through the County Councilllor for the area, who has been actively liaising with the resident.

In April 2022, complaints were previously made about the same tree and an adjacent smaller fir tree. At that time, the council's Resources Committee reviewed the complaints, addressing light reduction concerns and the potential risk of the trees falling during high winds. Following consultation with an arborist, it was determined that the leylandii tree was in a healthy condition, while the smaller fir tree was suffering due to concrete surrounding its base. As a result, the decision was made to remove the fir tree to minimize trip hazards near the Northside playground, while retaining the leylandii tree due to its healthy state and lack of damage.

According to a report discussed by town councillors, the council has engaged a contractor involved in the refurbishment work at the Northside Community Centre to remove the fir tree. The resident and the County Councillor have been informed that the matter will be reviewed by the appropriate committee, and a response will be provided by the end of June.

In light of the new evidence of structural damage caused by the leylandii tree, the Operations Manager recommended its removal as soon as reasonably practicable to address the bulging retaining wall. Ideally, the removal should take place after the nesting season, between March and the end of July, to avoid disturbing potential nesting birds.