Kirklees Metropolitan Borough Council (20 011 130)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Trees 15-Mar-2021

Summary: We will not investigate Mr Q’s complaint about the Council’s handling of applications for permission to do works to protected trees in a churchyard next to his home. Part of the complaint is late. And Mr Q has not suffered any personal injustice because of the Council’s handling of his neighbour’s application. Nor will we investigate Mr Q’s complaint that the Council did ground maintenance work in the churchyard at taxpayers’ expense. This is because we cannot investigate something that affects all or most of the people in the Council’s area.

Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council (20 011 568)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Trees 12-Mar-2021

Summary: Mr X complained about the Council’s refusal to cut back tree branches which overhang his property. We should not investigate this complaint. This is because it concerns damage to property which is legal matter and can only be determined by insurers or the courts.

Newcastle upon Tyne City Council (20 002 586)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Trees 11-Mar-2021

Summary: We will not investigate Ms B’s complaint that the Council is at fault in refusing to remove a tree close to her property. This is because it is unlikely we would find fault on the Council’s part.

Woking Borough Council (20 011 405)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Trees 09-Mar-2021

Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about a high hedge because the complainant appealed to the Planning Inspector.

Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council (20 011 465)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Trees 09-Mar-2021

Summary: We will not investigate Mr B’s complaint that the Council is at fault in denying liability for damage to his property. This is because it would be reasonable for Mr B to pursue the matter in court.

Halton Borough Council (20 011 012)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Trees 01-Mar-2021

Summary: We will not investigate Mrs B’s complaint that the Council is at fault in refusing to remove or reduce in height trees adjacent to her property. This is because it is unlikely we would find fault on the Council’s part.

Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council (20 010 769)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Trees 01-Mar-2021

Summary: Mr X complained about the Council’s refusal to either pollard or remove a tree which is close to his property boundary and which he says is causing nuisance and damage. We should not exercise discretion to investigate this complaint. This is because it is reasonable for Mr X to submit a claim to the Council and take the matter to the courts if no liability is accepted.

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (20 006 067)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Trees 26-Feb-2021

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about how the Council dealt with concerns about a tree. This is because we are unlikely to find fault. It is also unlikely an investigation could add to the Council’s response and property damage claims are a matter for the courts.

Royal Borough of Greenwich (20 007 852)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Trees 25-Feb-2021

Summary: Ms X complains the Council refuses to remove ivy which is damaging her property. We will not investigate this complaint. We cannot establish whether the Council is liable to remove the ivy and repair Ms X’s property. Liability in such matters, are for the Council’s insurers, and ultimately, the courts.

Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council (20 008 694)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Trees 22-Feb-2021

Summary: We will not investigate Mr C’s complaint about the Council’s failure to maintain a tree close to his property. This is because it is unlikely that we would find fault.