Glen Falls Birch Tree Lane Whitmore Newcastle Under Lyme Staffordshire ST5 5HE

Pending 26/00256/TWA
Date received
30 Mar 2026
Date validated
30 Mar 2026
Postcode
ST5 5HE

Description

T1 ? Scots Pine (side of house, yellow circle) Species: Pinus sylvestris Works: Remove three large lateral branches overhanging the driveway/roof, cutting back to the main stem to prevent water ingress. Crowning top by 2-3 metres to reduce sail effect and reduce odds of tree falling on house. Photos: T1-A, T1-B Map: T1 ? yellow circle G1 ? Silver Birches on Embankment (red circle) Species: Betula pendula Works: Fell approx. six birches leaning 25?45? over the driveway and at risk of failure due to slope and wind exposure. Prune remaining six by reducing overhanging branches by approx. 3m for safe clearance. Replacement: Not proposed due to steep, unstable embankment and existing natural regeneration. Photos: G1-A, G1-B, G1-C, G1-D Map: G1 ? red circle T2 ? Silver Birch Overhanging Front Driveway (yellow circle) Species: Betula pendula Works: Reduce overhanging branches by approx. 3m to maintain driveway clearance and reduce wind loading, using appropriate reduction cuts. Photos: T2-A Map: T2 ? yellow circle T3 ? Silver Birch Overhanging Balcony/Roof Species: Betula pendula Works: Reduce branches by approx. 4m to clear balcony/roof and prevent future encroachment, retaining natural crown shape. Reason: Overhang poses risk of branch failure and obstructs access; pruning improves clearance and stability. Photos: T3-A, T3-B Map: T3 ? yellow circle T4 ? Lawson Cypress at Side of House (black circle) Species: Chamaecyparis lawsoniana Works: Fell self planted tree growing directly beside the house and foundations. Reason: Too close to building (few cm's from wall); risk of structural impact as growing into the roof soffits. Replacement: Not proposed due to limited space. Photos: T4-A Map: T4 ? black circle T5 ? Scots Pine in Rear Garden (yellow circle) Species: Pinus sylvestris Works: Remove upper overhanging limb back to main stem to prevent water ingress. Light crown reduction to reduce wind loading on leaning tree by around 4m. Reason: Top of tree leans

Newcastle under Lyme
Planning Authority Score
5.3/10
Average
#130 of 292 councils
Relevant to this application:
Householder decisions

Newcastle under Lyme ranks #187 out of 292 councils for householder decision speed. 46% of applications have the time limit extended, above the 40% national average. Householder applications are more likely to be approved here than most councils, with a 97% approval rate vs 90% nationally.

More permissive than most councils
97% approved vs 90% nationally
These figures are council-wide context, not a prediction for this application. View full council performance
Newcastle under Lyme decision performance
Based on MHCLG data, 2025
94%
Overall approval rate
Above avg (87%) #39 of 292
97%
Householder approved
Above avg (90%) #30 of 292
59%
Decided in 8 weeks
Below avg (64%) #187 of 292
46%
Extended time limit
Above avg (40%) #196 of 292
85%
Minor dwellings approved
100 decided (1-9 homes)
76%
Major dwellings approved
17 decided (10+ homes)
100%
Change of use approved
28 decided
479
Total decisions
31 refused in 2025