Agenda and minutes

An apology for absence was received from Councillor Muna Cali.

The minutes of the meeting of the General Purposes Committee held on 5 November 2019 were signed by the Chair as a true and accurate record.

There were none.

Mr Dave Green addressed the Committee; a letter from Joan and Dave Green was also circulated.  Mr Green commented that he supported the TPO and he lived opposite this tree. Trees are a great visual, they encourage wildlife and are part of the skyline.  Mr Green feared that should one tree be permitted to be cut down, others would follow.  He added that when people moved into the new development they were aware that the trees were there.  Initially, houses were planned to be built nearer to the trees but this had changed after lobbying and they were built further back.  Mr Green concluded his address by reiterating that he supported the TPO.

Mr Green was thanked for his address.

The Arboricultural Officer presented the report regarding Tree Preservation Order No. 240 land to rear 48 – 84 Southfield Road, Northampton, NN5 6HL, highlighting the salient points.  The Committee was informed that a number of complaints had been received but none from the property directly involved.

The Committee made comment, asked questions and heard:

·         Support was given to the TPO, it was a mature tree; however the maintenance issues from a tree are understood.

·         The trees were there before the houses were built.

·         The trees are healthy.

·         In answer to a query regarding potential wilful damage of the trees, the Arboricultural Officer confirmed that fines could be imposed should there be sound evidence.

RESOLVED:

1  That Tree Preservation Order No. 240 land to rear 48 – 84 Southfield Road, Northampton, NN5 6HL be confirmed without modification.

There were none.