3 Fersfield, Lyncombe, Bath

The proposed location of tree works is the garden setting of 3 Fersfield, situated within the Bath Conservation Area and the World Heritage Site. The site is also included within the Bath & Bristol Green Belt and the Cotswolds AONB. The wider Perrymead area is noted for its high concentration of tree cover and the semi-rural qualities of the local area, well-enclosed from more built-up residential areas to the south such as Combe Down. The area is identified as a significant aspect of the area’s perceived open green space in the Conservation Area Character Appraisal: “significant bands of woodland enclose the Character Area, most notably around Rainbow Wood and the upper slopes of Perrymead where it backs onto the Foxhill site.”

The removal of the tree is acceptable, given cited concerns regarding safety and indicated conflict with the use of the adjacent parking bays. Nonetheless, we take the opportunity to emphasise the cumulative value of tree cover in this area, as part of a larger area of woodland planting, towards the overall character and appearance of the area. We encourage where possible that tree removal should be considered as part of a long-term tree maintenance plan where tree felling may be mitigated through planting of suitable replacement species to appropriately maintain and enhance the existing tree canopy.