Homeowners Fight £11k Tree Inspection Fee

0:00It's April 20th. This is Edinburgh News today, your AI-powered local news. Homeowners in Tiningham, East Lofian, are pushing back against the council condition that could hit their wallet hard. Planners greenlit turning open land next to a terrace house into a private garden earlier this year, but they slapped on a rule requiring annual. Checks on up to four nearby trees for the next 10 years. That could rack up 11,000 pounds per tree for the owner, Jane Reed. The setup includes laying hard standing, adding a gate, and fencing the space. But the real kicker is the ongoing tree inspections. Even if one needs failing within a decade, it has to get replaced right away. Reed's team calls it way over the top, especially since two of those trees aren't even on her property. The arborists who surveyed them up front had never seen such a long-term demand, and at 720 to 1,400 pounds per. Right now, inflation pushes the total sky high for any regular homeowner.

1:01Planners defended to protect the local landscape and conservation area vibe, making sure the new garden doesn't mess with the surroundings. The local review body hears the appeal next month, so we'll see if they dial back this pricey tree watch or let it stand.