Objection to Proposed Tree Planting

Dear Highways / Environment Department, I am writing regarding the recent pavement markings outside of beginning of the Lavender Avenue road , when you come from London Road. Mitcham, which I understand indicate a proposal to plant a new street tree. I wish to raise a formal objection to this proposal on the following grounds:

1. Dropped Kerb Application I intend to apply for a dropped kerb (vehicular crossover) at this location to provide safe off-street parking for my household. According to council policy and national highways guidance, dropped kerb applications require unobstructed access from the carriageway to the property boundary. Planting a tree in this location would directly conflict with this requirement and prevent me from exercising this right.

2. Conflict with Council Policy Most local authority guidance on crossovers states that a tree should not be positioned in front of, or close to, an approved access point. Where a crossover is being considered, the need for vehicular access usually takes precedence over new planting schemes. Planting a tree here would therefore be contrary to the council’s own highways and planning policy.

3. Request for Clarification - Please confirm whether my property has been considered within the dropped kerb planning process before marking this site for a tree. - Please confirm how I may formally log my objection so that it is considered before any works commence. - I would also like to know whether the proposed tree can be relocated to an alternative, suitable position that does not obstruct current or future access to private property. (See attached photographs, showing that there is already space available for a tree approximately 5m away on the same street.)

I respectfully request that no tree be planted in front of 4 Lavender Avenue until this matter has been resolved, and that my objection is formally recorded.

Supporting Policy Extracts — London Borough of Merton 1. Dropped Kerbs / Vehicle Crossovers “Only the council can build dropped kerbs. We build them at the request of residents or businesses, if certain criteria are met.” (Merton Council) “Permission will be refused to move a tree, unless it is young enough to survive being replanted.” (Council news release)

2. Tree Planting Strategy / Tree Protection “Merton has committed to planting 1,000 extra street trees from October 2025 to green the borough.” “The Tree Strategy 2023- 2029 sets out how we will manage and enhance trees in the borough … to increase the borough’s tree canopy.”

3. Legal Powers Regarding Obstructions / Crossing Protection “It is illegal to obstruct roads, pavements and footpaths.” (Merton Council) “Vehicles must not park in a way that blocks any part of the flat section of a dropped kerb …”

(Merton Council)

Thank you for your assistance. I look forward to receiving your written response.

Yours sincerely,

Katarzyna ( ruda202@yahoo.co.uk)