Plans for two Newport homes with garages are rejected
The plans, by applicant D Gibby, were for the rear garden of a property on Ridgeway, Newport, but were turned down due to several issues.
The site, which includes a single-storey garage, is next to ancient woodland, known as Coed y Glasllwch Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC).
A report noted the "significant alteration" of the site's ecological value due to the recent felling of mature trees.
The proposed homes, both two storeys with four bedrooms each, raised several concerns.
Highways officers objected repeatedly, citing safety concerns over the driveway width and lack of pedestrian visibility.
The proposed waste collection arrangements were also deemed unsuitable due to the distance from the highway and the site's sloping terrain.
Ecological and tree officers voiced major concerns over the absence of a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) and the unassessed felling of mature trees.
The report said: "The removal of the trees has destroyed the habitats of several species, including bats, badgers, foxes, and hedgehogs."
The ancient woodland, protected under a Tree Preservation Order from 2013, was another significant point of contention.
The council's landscape officer noted the lack of any visual impact or green infrastructure assessment, stating the development did not align with the existing landscape or ecological context.
The planning application also faced opposition from the public, with six letters of objection.
Residents raised concerns about environmental degradation, overdevelopment, access and amenity impacts, and overlooking.
One letter stated: "The proposal would result in noise disturbance, light pollution and compromise security of neighbouring properties."
Councillors Drewett, Fouweather, and Evans also strongly objected, citing privacy loss, environmental damage, tree removal, traffic, and light/noise pollution.
Cllr Drewett particularly emphasised the impact on ancient woodland and the character of the area, stating: "Development threatens local wildlife, trees, and natural habitats."
The refusal of the application, listed under number 24/1034, was based on seven detailed reasons, summarised as overdevelopment and visual harm from the backland design, inadequate pedestrian safety and waste management access, detrimental impacts on residential amenity and biodiversity, inappropriate access design, and a lack of affordable housing contribution.
The statutory expiry date was May 9, 2025, but the decision was marked as refused before this date.
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South Wales Argus
29-05-2025
- South Wales Argus
Plans for two Newport homes with garages are rejected
The plans, by applicant D Gibby, were for the rear garden of a property on Ridgeway, Newport, but were turned down due to several issues. The site, which includes a single-storey garage, is next to ancient woodland, known as Coed y Glasllwch Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC). A report noted the "significant alteration" of the site's ecological value due to the recent felling of mature trees. The proposed homes, both two storeys with four bedrooms each, raised several concerns. Highways officers objected repeatedly, citing safety concerns over the driveway width and lack of pedestrian visibility. The proposed waste collection arrangements were also deemed unsuitable due to the distance from the highway and the site's sloping terrain. Ecological and tree officers voiced major concerns over the absence of a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) and the unassessed felling of mature trees. The report said: "The removal of the trees has destroyed the habitats of several species, including bats, badgers, foxes, and hedgehogs." The ancient woodland, protected under a Tree Preservation Order from 2013, was another significant point of contention. The council's landscape officer noted the lack of any visual impact or green infrastructure assessment, stating the development did not align with the existing landscape or ecological context. The planning application also faced opposition from the public, with six letters of objection. Residents raised concerns about environmental degradation, overdevelopment, access and amenity impacts, and overlooking. One letter stated: "The proposal would result in noise disturbance, light pollution and compromise security of neighbouring properties." Councillors Drewett, Fouweather, and Evans also strongly objected, citing privacy loss, environmental damage, tree removal, traffic, and light/noise pollution. Cllr Drewett particularly emphasised the impact on ancient woodland and the character of the area, stating: "Development threatens local wildlife, trees, and natural habitats." The refusal of the application, listed under number 24/1034, was based on seven detailed reasons, summarised as overdevelopment and visual harm from the backland design, inadequate pedestrian safety and waste management access, detrimental impacts on residential amenity and biodiversity, inappropriate access design, and a lack of affordable housing contribution. The statutory expiry date was May 9, 2025, but the decision was marked as refused before this date.
South Wales Argus
30-04-2025
- South Wales Argus
Homeowners could be fined £20k for cutting garden trees
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Western Telegraph
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Homeowners could be fined £20k for cutting garden trees
Martin Fielding, from Stockport, thought it was just a 'regular tree' he was trimming back in his garden until he received an unsettling letter from the council. As more Brits dust off the tools and tidy up their gardens this spring, experts say thousands may unknowingly be breaking the law simply by cutting back or removing trees in their own backyard. According to home experts at My Home Improvements, many people don't realise that trees in residential gardens may be protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs). It means that if you cut down, lop, damage, or destroy a protected tree without permission, it could result in criminal prosecution and a fine of up to £20,000 in a magistrates' court. Mr Fielding, 51, didn't realise that certain trees – even if its in your garden – can be protected. 'It was blocking the light in the conservatory and leaning over the fence,' he explained. 'So I gave it a proper cut.' But soon after he received a letter from the local council telling him the tree was protected and that he may have breached the order by cutting back too much. 'I didn't even know such a thing existed. I thought trees in your own garden were your responsibility,' Mr Fielding continued. 'I was shocked to learn I could be fined thousands.' Plants that could damage the value of your home What is a Tree Preservation Order? A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is a legal protection issued by your local council to prevent important trees from being cut, pruned, damaged or removed without consent. These orders apply to trees that have environmental, historical or aesthetic value and yes, even if they're on your private property. Failing to get approval before carrying out work on a protected tree is a criminal offence. 'The trouble is, most homeowners have no idea their tree is protected,' says Sophie Willoughby, a gardening expert who was contacted by My Home Improvements. 'It's easy to think you're just doing routine garden work, but one snip too many and you could face a hefty fine,' Sophie explains. 'Councils take it very seriously and so they should, because mature trees are crucial for wildlife and air quality.' How to avoid a £20,000 fine To help homeowners avoid legal trouble this gardening season, My Home Improvements has shared some simple but important advice to keep things safe and legal in your garden. Check with your council – before cutting or trimming any large trees, contact your local authority to find out if there's a TPO in place. Don't assume it's okay just because it's in your garden Get written permission – if a tree is protected, you must apply for permission to do any work on it. Recommended reading: Take photos before you prune – this helps if there's any dispute over what was done. Use a professional tree surgeon A spokesperson from My Home Improvements, added: 'Before you pick up the saw or shears, take a moment to check your tree isn't protected. "Councils don't issue TPOs lightly and breaching one can land you in legal trouble. 'Whether you're trimming, pruning or removing, always ask first, as it's a simple step that could save you £20,000 and a trip to court.'
