On 14th August the City Council granted Tree Works Consent for the felling of two limes at the rear of 7 CHARTMOUNT WAY. We had opposed this application, but the Council accepted the owner's argument that the trees were potentially hazardous. The other two limes in the same garden are to be pruned by a qualified tree surgeon.

Following a site visit on 19th August, the City Council's Planning Committee granted permission for the temporary classrooms and car parking area at the north end of GATEACRE COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL to be retained for a further period - but only until 31st July 2004 rather than 2006 as recommended by Council officers. The site will then have to be returned to its original 'grass turfed' condition. A decision on the similar application for the south end of the School was deferred pending further discussion with local residents.

On 26th August the Planning Committee reconsidered Mr Chu's application to open the Rising Sun Café, 185 GRANGE LANE, during the evening (until 10pm) and as a takeaway, rather than solely as a daytime café. The Committee decided to grant planning permission on a temporary basis - until 29th February next - so as to allow the traffic and environmental impact to be assessed. Strong objections to the application had been made by local residents, the Society, and Councillor Collinge, and we would urge members to report any problems which may arise as a result of the extended use.

Also in late August, we were notified that - following refusal of his application to fell two pine trees on Plot A, HUNTS CROSS AVENUE - the owner had appealed against the decision to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. A planning inspector will now visit the site and consider the evidence, including our own detailed account of the long and unfortunate saga which has led to these fine trees being threatened. We feel that this will be something of a test case for tree preservation in Liverpool, and we hope that it will encourage the Council to take its responsibilities more seriously in future.