Councillors are set to debate an application to remove a protected tree in Lichfield.
An application has been received to cut down a Lawson Cypress tree on Tamworth Street.
A report to a meeting of Lichfield District Council’s planning committee explained that it was blocking sunlight to gardens, limiting the growth of plants in nearby gardens, as well as the nuisance caused by pigeons and mites.
The owners of the house where the tree grows had hoped to replace it with an alternative one after a request from a neighbour, but officers have recommended the application be rejected.
The report said: “The fact that the tree casts shadow on the garden is accepted. However the assertion that it removes all of the morning sunlight cannot be the case. It is certainly a contributory factor but not the sole cause.
“The amount of garden that receives no sunlight is small as the Cypress only overhangs a few square metres of garden. The rest of the shade changes due to the sun’s path during the day.
“The lack of light will impact upon the plants and lawn in this part of the garden. However it is possible to select plants and turf/seed varieties that will withstand shade. This seemed to be the case during a site visit as Camellias had been found to thrive in the shelter of the tree.
“The amount of pigeon deposits on the lawn was not substantial at the time of the visit. All grass and plant growth appeared healthy.”
Councillors will make a final decision at the meeting on Monday (June 30).
