Mark Bridgett wrote:
In our front garden we have to rather large (estimated 70") beech
trees. The nearest of these though is 8 feet from the house. Yes, we
knew about them before we moved in, but I am really concerned about
this now.

The trees have a preservation order on them but I wondered if this was
a good enough reason to ask for permission to chop them down?

What, you're going to ask to chop them down *because* they have a
preservation order on them? I assume that's not what you meant but
I'm still not quite sure what you did mean!


If others have been successful, is it only dead/dying trees that ever
get past our friendly councillors?

No, I think danger to a building is a quite valid reason. However you
will have to get professional opinion to confirm that there is a
danger to your house.


On a secondary and lesser note, we also have a very large copper beech
tree in our back garden (well it's in the neighbours) but this blocks
out nearly all our sunlight. Again, I suspect this isn't a good
enough reason, but I thought the point of TPO was for trees adding to
the visual look of the neighbourhood. Noone can see this apart from
us and the neighbours though.

I suspect that others can see it, especially if it's as big as you
say, surely it's visible above the house.

--
Chris Green )