Lostock resident applies to remove tree preservation order

The tree in question is location outside 26 Lostock Junction Lane, Lostock.

It is Mrs Beaumont, who lives at number 26, who applied to have the preservation order repealed.

A preservation order prevents a tree being chopped down, uprooted, felled, or in any way altered without specific, written council permission.

Permission has been sought in this case because the tree is located on a public footpath and is causing a ‘physical obstruction’.

The pavement has been reduced to a width of around 90cm due to encroachment from the tree, from a starting width of 2.2m.

The oak outside of 26 Lostock Junction Lane (Image: Google Maps)

The application notes that the UK standard for a minimum pavement width is between 1.5m and 2m, meaning the path is now under that.

This is causing a ‘substantial obstruction and trip hazard’ for anyone walking on the ‘narrow passage’, according to the application.

The tree is not only a hazard for pedestrians, according to Mrs Beaumont, but hazardous to drivers as well.

This is because the oak blocks the Beaumonts’ view as they they pull out of their driveway, making it difficult to see if traffic is coming towards them.

The application form also notes that the tree is of ‘low quality and value in the landscape’, with some parts in ‘advanced decay’.

Bolton Council‘s planning department will now decide on whether the tree preservation order will be upheld or whether the tree can be chopped down.