Hi everyone — I’ve shared a suggested objection letter below for anyone who would like to support the protection of the sycamore tree at 37 Eastern Esplanade (application TCA/TH/26/0827).

Please personalise the letter and add your full name and postal address. Only say that you have personally witnessed bats using the tree if that is genuinely the case; otherwise retain the wording referring to observations reported by a local resident.

If you are registered—or can register—please submit it through Thanet’s planning portal and select “Object” or “Comment”. If you cannot register or encounter problems, email it as soon as possible to planning.services@thanet.gov.uk with the application number in the subject line, asking for it to be added to the case file.

The notice appears to show 18 September crossed out and replaced by 11 September, so the deadline is unclear. To be safe, please submit your comments tonight if you possibly can.

This is a suggested community template, not formal legal or ecological advice, so please adjust it to reflect your own views and knowledge. Thank you for helping!

Dear Planning Applications Team,

Please treat this email and the representation below as my formal objection to application TCA/TH/26/0827.

I have attempted to submit my comments through the Council’s planning portal before the stated deadline, but the portal requires me to register and is not allowing me to complete the registration process. I have therefore been unable to use the online commenting facility and email is the only available means by which I can submit my representation tonight.

This email is being sent before midnight on 11 September 2026. Please date-stamp it accordingly, register the objection against application TCA/TH/26/0827, and ensure that it is taken into account when the matter is considered. I would be grateful if you would acknowledge receipt and confirm that my representation has been added to the case file.

I also note that the displayed site notice appears to show the printed closing date of 18 September 2026 crossed through and replaced by a handwritten “11”. This makes the stated consultation deadline unclear; nevertheless, I am submitting my objection tonight to meet the earlier date.

My formal objection is set out below.

Application: TCA/TH/26/0827
37 Eastern Esplanade, Margate, Kent, CT10 1DU
Proposal: Fell one sycamore tree

I object to the proposed felling and ask Thanet District Council to make a Tree Preservation Order to protect the tree while its amenity, condition and ecological importance are properly assessed.

I have been made aware of direct observations from a local resident who has lived near the site for approximately eight years and reports watching bats use this particular tree during successive summers. I do not claim that these observations alone establish that the tree contains a bat roost; the bats may be roosting, foraging or commuting. Nevertheless, repeated use over such a long period is specific and credible evidence that the tree may form part of important local bat habitat and warrants investigation before any irreversible work takes place.

All British bat species and their breeding sites and resting places are legally protected. A bat roost remains protected even when bats are not present. Natural England’s standing advice states that a survey should be requested where trees may provide roosting, foraging or commuting opportunities for bats. The tree should therefore be inspected by a suitably qualified and appropriately licensed ecologist for potential roost features, with any necessary follow-up activity surveys undertaken at the appropriate time of year.

The site notice states only “1 No. Sycamore – Fell” and provides no reason for removing the tree. The Council should establish whether any arboricultural report has been provided, whether the tree is unsafe or diseased, and whether less damaging management options have been properly considered. In the absence of evidence demonstrating an overriding arboricultural or safety need, complete felling appears disproportionate.

The available image indicates that this is a substantial mature tree within a densely developed urban area. Thanet’s adopted Local Plan expressly recognises that the district has relatively few trees and seeks their retention. The tree may contribute materially to the local canopy, visual amenity, the character and appearance of the conservation area, urban cooling and wildlife connectivity. I ask the Council’s tree officer to inspect the tree and assess its visibility and contribution from Eastern Esplanade and surrounding public viewpoints.

National guidance confirms that amenity is the principal consideration when deciding whether a conservation-area tree merits a TPO, while importance to nature conservation may also be taken into account. Given the apparent maturity of the tree, the proposed total and irreversible loss, and the reported long-term bat activity, a precautionary TPO is justified so that the evidence can be properly evaluated.

I therefore request that the Council:

1. Makes a Tree Preservation Order before the conservation-area notification period expires.

2. Undertakes a tree-officer site inspection and records the tree’s condition and amenity contribution.

3. Ensures that the reported bat activity is referred to an appropriately qualified ecology adviser.

4. Requires an assessment of potential bat-roost features and any necessary seasonal surveys before felling is contemplated.

5. Considers retention and proportionate arboricultural management in preference to complete removal.

I also note that the site notice appears to show a printed closing date of 18 September 2026 crossed through and replaced by a handwritten “11”. Please place this representation on the case file and clarify the correct consultation deadline, as the altered notice could reasonably cause public confusion.

Kind regards

[YOU MUST SUPPLY YOUR OWN NAME AND HOME ADDRESS – IT IS CONFIDENTIAL BUT THE COMMENT WON’T BE ACCEPTED WITHOUT]Write your text here...

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