Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!
"Duty to Consult on felling street trees"
Last week, the council posted this notice on the tree on the corner of Oakfield Road and Quernmore Road, N4.
The council have been trying to fell this London Plane tree for about two years and it has been the subject of repeated Court action.
The notice (above) states that a replacement tree will be planted.
Is the sincerity of the consultation not doubtful?
Tags for Forum Posts: Oakfield, council, duty to consult, insurance, notice, plane, tree
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Brian Mahoney
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It does make one question the sincerety of the process.
"A root barrier was considered, however the area of excavation required for the installation and the location of the adjacent underground services meant this was not feasible."
Are we meant to take them at their word? What is the area of excavation required? Why can't a root barrier be installed around the underground services? Why is it unfeasible? If the cost is high, what is the estimation of that cost (ideally estimated by someone independent)?
That's what would be in a proper, genuine consultation process.
Put the costs on the table and then let residents decide whether the tree is more valuable.
We can't let them continue chopping down trees like this because it is the easiest solution. They are community assets.
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Permalink Reply by Clive Carter
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HARINGEY Council firmly resisted pressure from the Insurers' Loss Adjuster (Crawfords) to fell, for several years.
Then, about three or four years ago, the council accepted liability (?!). This may have occurred after the council outsourced insurance correspondence to a firm in Leeds called Plexus Law. The council have not disclosed the reason for the changed position.
But then, as you suggest, the council withhold much information about this tree and their involvement. Residents are invited to comment, but are provided with scant information on which to make informed comments.
Here's a competing notice about the tree put up recently:
(BTW, when in 2006/7 the Labour Council tried to sell Alexandra Palace to a former slum landlord, the Public Consultation was challenged in the High Court. I was in the courtroom; to paraphrase just one Justice Sir Jeremy Sullivan memorable quotes,
Show me the information [the Lease] and then I will be able to give you my opinion!
Later that afternoon—and due to their conduct—costs were awarded against the Council]
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