The only time that permission has to be sought for any tree work is if you are in a conservation area (Notice of intent to carry out tree works in a conservation area) or if there is a TPO on the tree. Unfortunately it seems as though neither of these was the case.

I'm not sure of the point of the six week "Notice of intent to carry out tree works in a conservation area" as there is no requirement to post anything outside the property (no yellow planning permission slip), so unless you keep an eye on current planning applications, noone is aware of the intent. It seems to me as though Lewisham just wait six weeks and then issue the permission.

I hadn't realised that Stanstead Lodge was a council property; I always thought it was a charity. Nice to see it being smartened up though Hope they spend that ?569,000 wisely.