Danny's Days - 2nd June 2025

This week we have more local news, and good news for the trees of Holland Park Avenue. Below is a very well written statement from Sophia Lambert, who is the chair of the Ladbroke Association: 

"This is to inform you that, largely due to a motion to tabled by  Stéphanie Petit, the new Councillor for the Norland ward, at a Council meeting in April, the Council has decided to make a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) on the 97 London plane trees in Holland Park Avenue. This means that a written application will be needed for any felling of our much-loved trees; the application must be publicised with an opportunity for people to comment; and there is a right of appeal to the Secretary of State against any decision the Council makes.

We have long been pressing for such an order. Until now, the Council has taken the line that, as it owns the trees, it can be relied upon to refuse applications to fell them. While we accept this, a TPO does give an extra layer of protection. There was of course particular concern over the plan to fell some of the planes in connection with the TfL plans to put a cycle lane along Holland Park Avenue. TfL say they have no plans to take this proposal forward, but this could change and there could be other reasons why utilities or others would want to fell the trees, so we want to maximise the protection.

The procedure for making a TPO involves the Council first “making” it and allowing at least 28 days for comments; then once the comments are in and they have considered them, it can confirm the order. The Council “made” the order on 20 May, and any comments must be in by 20 June. The Order is attached.

If anybody would like to write in support of (or in opposition to) the Order, you should email trees@rbkc.gov.uk."

The very best wishes,

Danny