SAFETY concerns over a row of trees “within falling distance” of a Gwynedd beach bar have prompted a request to cut back protected trees at Llanbedrog.
Fears have been raised that the trees, subject to a Tree Preservation Order, could fall or break close to the Aqua Beach Bar and a neighbouring property on the road leading to Llanbedrog beach, causing injury or damage.
Permission to carry out the work is being sought from Gwynedd Council by Bangor arborist John Sweeny, of Mynydd Timber Services Ltd.
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The scheme would see the reduction of branches and stems at the Public Conveniences on Lôn Nant Iago.
Keith MacMaster, who acquired the property between the Glyn Wddw estate and Lôn Nant Iago, has requested the work.
The tree surgeon states the owner “wishes to discharge his duty of care, and prevent injury or damage to property which might be caused by trees within this area”.
The application shows the location of trees of Lon Nant Iago at Llanbedr (Picture Gwynedd Council planning document.)
A safety report reads: “In particular, the owner is concerned about the safety of the line of Sycamore trees on the top of the bank, immediately behind and within falling distance of the Aqua Beach Bar, located on the south end of Lon Nant Iago.
“A mature Sycamore tree, located on the boundary behind the property Tir Glyn, is a co-dominant stem from ground level, with decay visible in the union at ground level on the north side.
“Although the canopy appears healthy, the union between the two stems is compromised, and therefore the stability of the tree is doubtful.
“As the stem is located at the top of the bank, if it were to fail, the eastern stem would fall over the public road.”
The work includes the removal of the deadwood of a mature oak over the road and the damaged stem of a horse chestnut leaning over the road.
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A Portuguese laurel would have its crown raised and be pruned back from a property boundary and a mature oak would see its crown raised giving a 2m clearance of a house roof.
A mature sycamore would get a side-prune with branches lowered for 2.5m to provide clearance from a roof and BT line and a ‘co-dominant’ sycamore would see both stems removed.
A semi-mature cherry would also see a reduction of large branches overhanging a house.
A Gwynedd Council spokesperson said: “An application has been submitted to carry out works such as removal of deadwood and ivy and crown lift and pruning works to trees in the area around Lôn Nant Iago, Llanbedrog, which are subject to a Tree Preservation Order.
“It is also noted that rhododendron will be removed.
“The application relates to the safety and health of the trees and to prevent injury or damage to property which may be caused by trees within this area.
“The application is currently subject to public consultation and a decision will be made in due course.”
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