‘Jack and the Beanstalk' tree is a danger, say disgruntled neighbours
Residents on one of the Hampshire city's most prestigious roads have called the decision to issue a preservation order on the 45ft tree as 'grotesquely irresponsible' and 'ludicrous'.
They claim the oak, which was planted around 50 years ago and grew by 6ft last year, is 'out of proportion' to the surrounding properties and dominates the small garden in which it sits.
When the current homeowners applied to have the tree felled, the council put a preliminary protection order on it, saying it was 'appreciated' by residents on a neighbouring street and was nice to look at.
Orla Williams, 40, moved into the area, where the average house price is more than £600,000, with her partner two years ago.
The mother of two said: 'We appreciate that the tree is beautiful, but it's the wrong tree in the wrong place. It is quite sad to remove something like that, but it is only going to get bigger and potentially cause damage to lots of properties, which is the main concern.'
A council meeting will take place next week to confirm whether or not the protection order will remain in place.
Mark Pocock, another resident, called the decision to protect the tree 'ludicrous'.
He said: 'If it were to fall and damage properties or persons, I would say the responsibility would be entirely with the council – not the owners of those properties.
'I think putting a tree protection order on it is grotesquely irresponsible. It could be a danger to property and life.'
Nick Goff, who moved into his property on an adjacent road just over a year ago, said: 'The issue is that in 10 years time, that will be double the height and double the width. It put on 6ft last year, and it's going to put on another 6ft this year.
'Some guy planted this as something to do 40 years ago. Now, we have got 'Jack and the Beanstalk'. It's not a historic tree – it's a silly mistake.'
Winchester council's report issued ahead of next week's meeting stated that while 'not historic', the tree 'contributes meaningfully to local biodiversity and visual amenity'.
The council has been contacted for comment.
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