I'd agree re birches. That kousa near me has been there at least fifteen years and isn't more than about ten or twelve feet. It's a beautiful specimen. I think it's always a balance between getting something to a reasonable size in a reasonable time, but then looking at the ongoing maintenance as they continue growing, and whether they will suit that pruning for the space. Not many trees stay 'small', but, unless you have the funds to put in an established specimen, most will take several years to be nicely furnished out and in that ten feet +, height and spread. Those with a light canopy are less oppressive in a small space, even if they reach twenty feet, so height/spread aren't always the only factors to consider.
Thank you all for your input. I did some more digging and found the "Guideline Distances from Development to Trees" developed by Leeds city council, and the RHS recommendations re the same. I think it would be safe to go for a Prunus Serrulata (pink perfection cherry tree). I see it around the suburbs and it never fails to catch my eye and make stop to contemplate its beauty. It grows to about 6m high and 3-4 m wide, so it's suited for small gardens. Once I plant it, I'll put a photo here. Thanks again everyone.
I have the pink Cornus Kousa in my garden and it is quite a fast grower. Put in about 10-12 years ago and now about 15ft high 12ft wide. It is glorious at the moment.
'Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement' - Helen Keller
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Thanks again everyone.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...