Management of trees between Briarigg and Burneside Road, Kendal

Overview

We have received complaints about the height of the trees that form a shelterbelt, between Burneside road and Briarigg.

The council seeks the views of residents on Burneside Road and Briarigg, and the surrounding community regarding the below options. This engagement is non-binding on the council but feedback will inform how we proceed. The council’s commitment to increasing biodiversity and budget will also be considered.

Background

Planning permission reference 5/99/0386 was granted by South Lakeland District Council on the 12^th January 2000 for a development of 173 dwellings on Land off Burneside Road, Kendal. The approved plans for the development required the developer to plant a shelterbelt of trees along the boundary with existing dwellings on Burneside Road, Kendal. The shelterbelt is now over 20 years old.

The shelterbelt provides privacy and screening between the dwellings on Burneside Road and Briarigg. As the trees in the shelterbelt have grown, the lower-level screening provided by the shelterbelt has reduced.  The canopy of the taller trees blocks light to the woodland floor, suppressing lower-level growth and allowing views through the trees to the dwellings.

The upper canopies of the trees also encroach over the gardens of dwellings on Burneside Road, leading to complaints from residents of shading and blocking views. The shelterbelt is not providing the screening it was intended to provide to the surrounding dwellings.

The trees are generally in good health, are growing well and contribute to both the amenity and ecology of the area.

The council are considering carrying out management works in the shelterbelt and seek the views of residents who live near the trees.