London Borough of Bexley (24 021 053)
Category : Environment and regulation > Trees
Decision : Closed after initial enquiries
Decision date : 26 Mar 2025
The Ombudsman's final decision:
Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about a Council refusal to grant permission for work on a tree which has a Tree Preservation Order as he has appealed to the Planning Inspector.
The complaint
- Mr X complains about the Council’s refusal to grant permission to carry out work on a tree with a Tree Preservation Order (TPO).
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
- We cannot investigate a complaint if someone has appealed to a government minister. The Planning Inspector acts on behalf of a government minister. (Local Government Act 1974, section 26(6)(b), as amended)
How I considered this complaint
- I considered information provided by Mr X.
- I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
- Mr X asked the Council for permission to carry out work to a tree on a communal driveway which has a TPO attached to it. In December 2022 the Council refused permission. Mr X appealed the Council’s decision to the Planning Inspector. It has confirmed it is a valid appeal.
- We cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint as he has appealed to the Planning Inspector.
Final decision
- We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because he has appealed to the Planning Inspector.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman