Dear Heathway Resident
At the last meeting* of the Heathway Residents’ and Neighbourhood Watch Association (HRA), members emphasised the value and importance of maintaining the flora, shrubbery and trees along Heathway and its environs. In response to this concern it has been decided to set up a Tree Watch rather like the Neighbourhood Watch but for our trees.
Heathway sits within the Blackheath Conservation Area and consequently we have a particular responsibility for trees along Heathway and in the gardens of its residents and the rear gardens of adjoining properties. Indeed, trees often need maintenance to preserve their health and we would ask all residents to engage with maintaining the health of their trees.
We should like to remind residents that any planned works on trees must be notified to the Planning Department of the Royal Borough of Greenwich six weeks before you plan to start work. This includes work to trees in private gardens, more than 75mm in diameter at 1.5m above the ground. THIS APPLIES TO ALL WORKS NOT JUST FELLING TREES.
There is a ‘works to trees’ application form, which can be downloaded from the Planning Portal https://www.planningportal.co.uk/applications or contact a tree officer for a form and leaflet on 020 8921 5661
HRA Members are particularly concerned about unauthorised removal of or damage to trees along Heathway, its residents’ gardens and gardens adjoining Heathway. Tree Watch is set up for this purpose and I ask all residents to watch-out for any suspected unauthorised damage or removal of trees. If you belief this may be happening, please report the incident immediately to me or Richard Bostock or Margaret Stephens; we will investigate and if necessary report the incident to the Planning Department for further action.
It would be helpful, if you intend to undertake some tree work, to get in touch with a member of Tree Watch first so, if the works are justified, we can support your application. Likewise if you are concerned about the health of your trees; Tree Watch will endeavour to advise you on the best course of action.
We apologise if this notice sounds a little threatening, it is not intended to be such, rather it is intended to be protective of all our interests in preserving our very beautiful lane.
In addition to tree protection, we would like to encourage all residents to plant flowers and shrubs in the boarders of the lane. Some residents have done a sterling job on this front and it makes such a difference to the attractiveness of Heathway.
William Hunt, Richard Bostock & Margaret Stephens
(Original text dated 8/10/16)
*6/9/16
