Decision

Approval to proceed to Consultation seeking views on the removal of 15 trees on Eskdale Avenue, Chesham to facilitate pavement improvements (footway re-modelling).

Reasons for the decision

To improve the accessibility and safety of the footway for Pedestrians and People using wheeled mobility.

Alternative options considered

3.1 A range of design options have been considered to address the identified issues relating to tree
related damage and accessibility constraints. Each option has been addressed in terms of its ability
to mitigate safety risks, achieve compliance with Buckinghamshire Council standards, and provide a
practical and sustainable long-term solution for footway users.
Option A – All trees to remain in-situ
This option preserves all of the trees, and requires the least amount of maintenance works, however
it does not mitigate any design risks related to trees. The footway remains obstructed to nonpedestrian
footway users which continues to limit accessibility and inclusiveness, and there are
ongoing compromises required for kerbing, surfacing, and footway widths, resulting in poor
compliance with footway design standards.
For the reasons stated above this option is deemed as unsuitable for the scheme
Option B –Removal of 5 Trees and introduction of ‘Key Footway Route’
This option offers a compromise for removing all the trees, however the resultant layout is not fully
compliant to Buckinghamshire Council Highway Standards. Although the design risks associated with
the remaining trees are reduced, the other key design risk of footway users needing to enter the
carriageway remains. The ‘Key footway route’ would require introduction of formalised crossing points
along the highway, which will require installation of dropped kerbing, trimming of additional
vegetation and potential enforcement of parking. This option would also be subject to a full road safety
audit.
For the reasons stated above this option is deemed as unsuitable for the scheme
Option D – Road Improvement Scheme
This option requires significant construction and design input, involves kerb realignment, footway
widening, and potential traffic calming measures, necessitates additional approvals as it qualifies as
a highway improvement scheme, and results in the removal of all existing trees during the initial