Latest news with #KirkleesCouncil
Daily Record
21 hours ago
- General
- Daily Record
Householders warned over lesser-known tree pruning law to be aware of in August
If you are looking to do some cutting back during the warmer months, make sure you're aware of one obscure rule Cutting back trees and overhanging branches is a common job in the summer months in order to get your garden looking ship shape. But householders have been warned that not adhering to one law could see them land in bother. The little-known rule applies to trees at the boundaries of your property which, while providing privacy and offering a home or shelter for birds and animals such as squirrels, can cause issues if not carefully managed. If you want to cut back branches from a neighbour's tree which are overhanging into your garden - this is completely legal providing you are standing in your own garden while you carry out the job. However, once you've pruned back any offending branches, an obscure law is that you must then offer these cuttings back to your neighbour, reports The Express. Good neighbourly etiquette dictates that it is a good idea to tell your neighbour if you intend to take care of the branches. The rule, which many will be unaware of, are backed up by various official bodies. The Church of Scotland Law Department states: "The neighbour is entitled to cut them back (unless protected), although the lopped branches must then be offered back to the owner of the tree. "The branches should not simply be dumped on the owners' land without prior discussion, and it may be necessary to dispose of unwanted branches elsewhere." As Kirklees Council outlines: "If a tree or hedge is unprotected, you can prune branches that overhang your land and the roots growing beneath your land. "You do not need the owner's permission, but you must not trespass onto their land. "You must offer to return the cut branch wood and any fruit which is attached or has fallen onto your land." And this is backed by the Royal Horticultural Society which adds: "Your actions are classed as 'abating a nuisance' which does not require permission. "Only in situations where you need access to their land to undertake the work would permission be required. "Once branches are cut off they should be offered back to the tree owner. If the owner doesn't want them then you will be responsible for disposing of the prunings; you can't simply throw them over the boundary into your neighbour's garden." Taking away tree branches, could see you charged with theft. Technically, it's not your property to take even if it overhangs your garden. Of course fruit on trees can be valuable, and back in the day many will have used tree branches for firewood - and this law still persists from a time when trees could be a valuable resource. The Theft Act makes it a criminal offence to pick fruit, flowers or even branches from a tree that is not on your property. While it's unlikely you'll be thrown in the slammer for a few branches, if you cut down a neighbour's branches or take fruit/flowers from their trees, they are legally entitled to ask you to return them.
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- General
- Daily Mirror
Homeowners issued warning over little-known tree law during July and August
When it comes to trees in your garden, there's a whole host of laws and regulations to be aware of - but there's one little known rule that gardeners must follow Garden enthusiasts, take heed: you might unwittingly be on the wrong side of the law due to an obscure regulation concerning tree trimming in your own backyard. Trees are undeniably a crucial element of many gardens. They're not only aesthetically pleasing but also offer privacy and shade, serve as a sanctuary for wildlife such as birds and squirrels, and play a pivotal role in converting carbon dioxide into oxygen, thus benefiting the environment. However, given their potential to live for scores of years or even centuries, trees can become a source of strife if not properly tended to, with roots encroaching on building foundations or branches breaking off and obstructing roads. Disputes can particularly ignite between neighbours when it comes to trees straddling property lines. While most gardeners are aware that it's perfectly lawful to trim or prune branches overhanging into your plot from next door's tree, provided you remain within your property to do so, what often goes unnoticed is a lesser-known statute stipulating that any offcuts must be offered back to the owner of the tree – simply discarding them or turning them into wood chips isn't an option. It's considered courteous to notify your neighbour before embarking on any arboreal alterations to overhanging limbs – permission isn't necessary, but by law, you're obliged to present the pruned material to your neighbour regardless, reports the Express. Kirklees Council stated: "If a tree or hedge is unprotected, you can prune branches that overhang your land and the roots growing beneath your land. You do not need the owner's permission, but you must not trespass onto their land. You must offer to return the cut branch wood and any fruit which is attached or has fallen onto your land." This is supported by the Royal Horticultural Society, which states: "Your actions are classed as 'abating a nuisance' which does not require permission. Only in situations where you need access to their land to undertake the work would permission be required." "Once branches are cut off they should be offered back to the tree owner. If the owner doesn't want them then you will be responsible for disposing of the prunings; you can't simply throw them over the boundary into your neighbour's garden," the site added. Should you remove tree branches, you risk being accused of theft. Technically, it remains someone else's property even when it hangs over your garden. Naturally, fruit from trees can hold considerable value, and historically many people relied on tree branches for fuel - and this legislation continues from an era when trees represented precious resources. The Theft Act makes it a criminal offence to pick fruit, flowers or even branches from a tree that is not on your property. Whilst it's doubtful you'll end up behind bars for a handful of branches, should you remove a neighbour's branches or take fruit and flowers from their trees, they have every legal right to demand their return.
BBC News
4 days ago
- General
- BBC News
New school for autistic children near Huddersfield gets go-ahead
Plans have been approved for a new purpose-built school for up to 180 autistic School and College, which is currently based at Dog Kennel Bank in Huddersfield, will relocate to a site in Fernside Avenue, facility would offer an improved environment designed to better support pupils aged five to 19 and enable access to specialist education locally, Kirklees Council Jane Rylah, cabinet member for education, said: "The new school will provide a tailored environment where pupils can thrive and reach their full potential." Work began in May to clear the site, with construction preparations now under said securing planning permission for the project had been "a significant milestone"."Woodley School delivers excellent education and support, and this new purpose-built facility will allow us to extend that offer to even more children and young people," she said."I'm looking forward to seeing the build progress and the positive impact this investment will bring to families across Kirklees."The investment is part of Kirklees Council's wider commitment to transforming support for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Alongside Woodley, work is under way to rebuild and relocate Joseph Norton Academy, which supports pupils with social, emotional and mental health SEND places are being created across other schools in the district. Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
BBC News
22-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
Nab Lane waste tip reopening ruled out by Kirklees council leader
The decision to shut a West Yorkshire waste tip will not be reversed, a council has said, despite claims fly-tipping has increased as a Council shut Nab Lane Household Waste Recycling Centre in Birstall last November in a move it said was needed to save money. But several councillors have continued to call for the site to be revived, with the impact on neighbouring waste tips also cited as a problem. Speaking at the full council meeting however, Kirklees Council Leader Carole Pattinson said changes to recycling processes meant "less waste will be created in the first place". At the same time as the closure of the Nab Lane site last year, the council, which is run by a Labour as a minority administration, also cut the operating hours of two other waste sites. Bromley Farm in Upper Cumberworth is now closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays, while Meltham's Bent Ley Road site is shut on Mondays and Tuesdays, the Local Democracy Reporting Service Alliance councillor Paul Moore said there had been longer queues and waiting times at Dewsbury's Weaving Lane tip and the impact had pushed staff to "breaking point".Conservative councillor Josh Sheard called for a cost-sharing model between the local authority, Leeds City Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) to reopen the site. He said: "The more that we delay, the more environmental harm comes, the more fly-tipping, the more service inequality we allow to grow. Regional problems require regional thinking but it has to start somewhere."However, Pattinson said the chances of a regional agreement to reopen the site were "absolutely zilch", stating one reason was that different local authorities have different waste also said that new recycling processes would be in place within the area next year. She added: "The use of waste disposal sites should go down because simpler recycling will mean that, certainly in Kirklees, there'll be more waste removed at the kerb side."There are other things coming on board that will mean less waste will be created in the first place." Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
BBC News
21-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Legal action to fight Kirklees Council care home privatisation
Campaigners have started legal action to stop two council-run dementia care homes being transferred to the private Council confirmed earlier this year that Claremont House in Heckmondwike and Castle Grange in Newsome would be switched to private providers despite opposition from families and councillors. Law firm Irwin Mitchell, which is representing the families of care home residents, has applied to the High Court for a judicial review to be held examining the legality of the council's Council said the transfer had been "through a long process of evaluation, engagement and public scrutiny" and it could not comment further until after legal proceedings. Campaigners have argued that while the decision was stated to have been made on a financial basis, there remained a lack of evidence to support Chapman, the specialist public law and human rights lawyer representing the campaigners, said: "Local authority-run care homes provide vital care and support to a number of people, particularly those living with dementia."Many of those affected by the planned business transfer of Claremont House and Castle Grange have voiced their anger and disappointment at how they feel the council has acted throughout the process."We've heard first-hand accounts from families who say the decision will have a significant impact on their loved ones." 'Upset and distressed' Ms Chapman said lawyers had previously written to the authority outlining their points but it had still decided to go ahead with added: "We've therefore now applied for a judicial review."Adrian Pygott said he was worried the disruption caused by privatisation would have "grave consequences" for his mother, 90-year-old Brenda Hughes, who has been cared for at Castle Grange for seven said: "My mother has high emotional needs and can become upset and distressed at the slightest change in her routine. She also has a range of complex physical needs."The care provided by the staff at Castle Grange is exemplary and I'm greatly concerned at the thought of this being taken away from her or, even worse, her having to move homes."The latest development comes after campaigners previously fought off a plan in 2024 to close the homes as part of efforts to make almost £47m in budget that, councillors made the decision to transfer them to private providers but this was called in for review by eight opposition at a meeting in February, the council re-affirmed the decision to response to the legal action, the council said throughout the process it had "prioritised the quality of care for residents".It added: "The decision is now subject to legal proceedings and it would be inappropriate to comment further, or explore alternative options, until we know the outcome of that process." Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
