One birch tree proposed for removal to allow historic wall rebuild

ImpactAutomated estimate

Summary

The application asks for permission to remove a single birch tree, known as T263, at College House on Thirlestaine Road. The tree sits next to a historic wall that has collapsed, and the applicant states it needs to come down before the wall can be rebuilt. The site is in a protected historic area in Cheltenham, right next to Cheltenham College. There are six protected old buildings within a short distance, including Thirlestaine House — one of the most protected buildings in the country — about a 1-minute walk away. The College House building itself, with its attached railings, is also a protected old building nearby. The key question for the council will be whether removing this tree is necessary for the wall repair, and whether that work could affect the look and feel of this important historic area.

What you can do

You can comment on this application on the Cheltenham Borough Council planning portal using the reference 26/00409/CACN. The council can consider impacts on the protected historic area and its protected old buildings, the necessity of removing the tree, and whether replacement planting is proposed. Comments must relate to planning matters.