Latest news with #treepreservation
BBC News
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
West Berkshire Council imposes TPO for whole woodland
A council has put a tree preservation order (TPO) across a whole woodland in response to a planning application for a wedding are plans to put up permanent tipis, tents and a toilet block for six months of the year in Berkshire's Welford Park - where the Great British Bake Off is Berkshire Council's own economic development team are behind the plans, but the tree team team has put the TPO in place meaning no trees can be touched without consulting matter will go before the council's Western Area Planning Committee on 23 July. Welford Park is ancient woodland, which takes hundreds of years to establish and is defined as an irreplaceable application is to allow what is happening already - weddings in a glade in the wood for 28 days a year - to have five-year temporary planning consent from May to proposal is for permanent tipis, a ceremony tent, a catering tent and toilet a letter to the planning authority, the tree officer said trees had been felled without a also said the ground was cleared for the ceremony tent just as bluebells had emerged, "causing significant damage of this protected species".But around 25 letters of support from local people and businesses have been sent to the from a local butcher, said weddings at the venue helped their scheme also has the support of the council chairman and ward councillor for Hungerford and Kintbury, Tony said granting the consent would enable the council to "demand rigorous monitoring of the impact" on the environment."Arguably this could provide valuable research with far-reaching value to science and conservation practice," he also said the plans did not require any trees to be felled, although he said two large elms in the glade were dying and "will need to go for safety reasons". You can follow BBC Berkshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
BBC News
03-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
Insurance firm backtracks on plan to fell six Fareham trees
An insurance firm has said it no longer plans to remove six mature trees that it blames for subsidence damage to a December, Fareham Borough Council in Hampshire agreed to remove tree preservation orders (TPOs) from oaks and a lime between Heath Lawns and Southmead Road, despite residents' Line said it would now build a root barrier, which "was not previously considered feasible".Campaigner Dean Scopes, who hired a tree consultant and also lobbied MP Suella Braverman over the issue, said he was pleased that "sense had prevailed". He added: "The protection of our trees goes on, but we must celebrate these small wins when we get them." Previously, the council said cracks had appeared in two properties because of the ground drying out, probably due to tree said it might be liable for the cost of future property damage totalling more than £225,000 if it refused to remove its own tree was felled in March, but six remain Braverman previously said insurance firms in general were "taking advantage" of councils' Fareham and Waterlooville MP and former Home Secretary said: "Insurance companies have pressured local authorities into felling perfectly healthy trees with Tree Preservation Orders at the first point of contact." In a letter to Mr Scopes, Direct Line said it had originally thought that a tree root barrier would have to extend across "all neighbouring gardens", which would not be it said it had developed a revised scheme that put the barrier "solely around the rear and sides of our customer's home".Direct Line said it always considered the amenity value of trees and alternatives to felling such as pruning, although it said tree removal was cheaper and kept premiums the Association of British Insurers said felling was not its default solution to protect homes. You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X, or Instagram.
BBC News
27-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
Fearful neighbour's bid to chop down oak tree blocked
A 60ft tree looming over village homes has been saved from the chop after objections to it being Hackney, whose thatched cottage is nearest to the oak in Sleepy Lane, Kings Newton, had applied for planning consent to cut down the tree he fears could fall and crush his South Derbyshire District Council planners refused his application to axe the tree, which he does not own, planted in the place of an ancient oak at the site in three neighbours had backed the plan there were 77 objection letters, said the Local Democracy Reporting Service, along with opposition from Melbourne Parish Council, Melbourne Civic Society and the Kings Newton Residents Association. Under planning law, applicants do not need to be the owner of a site or property to apply for planning permission, although ownership is required to enact any potential subsequent Hackney claimed the "nuisance" oak had "outgrown its position" and caused blockages in the sewer network as well as pushing up nearby tarmac and blocking told the council meeting the potential for the tree to fall on his thatched cottage was a "frightening prospect". But John Jackson, chair of the Kings Newton Residents Association, said the oak was healthy, could live for several centuries, and "doesn't demonstrate any reasonable risk".He said the original ancient oak had formed the meeting spot for village elders for many Amy Wheelton dubbed the oak "beautiful" while her council colleague Andrew Kirke said there was "no reason to chop down such a healthy specimen".
Daily Mail
17-06-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
Fury as council bans homeowner from cutting down her 'Jack and the Beanstalk' tree despite claims from locals that huge oak could crush their homes
Councillors are facing the fury of concerned homeowners after they were told the 'Jack and the Beanstalk' tree that they believe threatens their homes has to stay - because it was vital for 'biodiversity'. Neighbours of the 45ft oak claimed the huge tree which overhangs into their gardens was a 'danger' to them and could cause damage to their listed homes in the historic heart of Winchester, Hampshire. Residents said that issuing a preliminary protection order on the tree was 'ludicrous', 'bad news' and 'grossly irresponsible' - as they urged the authority to assume responsibility for the insurance of their homes. Despite their concerns, officials have now approved the order after hearing of the 'biodiversity value' of the oak for the area, where homes sell for in excess of £1 million. The tree - which grew six foot last year - is not a historic tree and is still relatively young, officials heard. Objecting at the council meeting, which took place in Winchester's Guildhall, neighbour Dr Sandra Steele referred to an independent report from a tree consultant who found the tree preservation order (TPO) is 'completely unjustified'. Dr Steele referred to comments from the expert, who stated there is 'a definite foreseeability of long term damage to the adjacent properties from this tree'. The resident said neighbours have a 'serious problem' obtaining insurance for their properties due to the tree and raised concerns over potential 'unseen root damage'. Dr Steele said: 'The oak is a high water demand tree, the spreading roots in search of water cause structural damage to foundation, pipes, drains etcetera. 'Our historic houses, which have been here for 100 plus years, are particularly vulnerable. 'A healthy looking tree, may be good for the tree, but it's bad news for our properties. 'There's evidence of soil drying out, several dead trees, cracks in garden walls etcetera but we can't tell how far the roots have spread below the ground and their impact upon our homes. Crown reduction does not help. 'The unseen problem of oak tree root damage is a great concern and in addition we face the problem of obtaining insurance. 'For these very serious reasons, we strongly object to the TPO and request you to allow us to fell the tree without delay to protect our properties.' Dr Steele added: 'If you decide not to allow us to remove the tree, we would consider it an unreasonable decision. 'Also, if you decide not to allow us to remove the tree, would Winchester Council assume responsibility for the insurance of at least ten properties?' During the meeting, tree officer John Bartlett said the oak is 'one of the last remaining significant trees' in that area. He told councillors: 'It has a significant biodiversity value supporting many different species. 'A mature oak tree can support up to 2,300 species, possibly more, when it reaches maturity. 'And, it's importance is only increased by the fact that it's in this urban landscape.' In the end, councillors voted unanimously to protect the tree. The oak sits in the corner of 40 year old Orla Williams' garden on Canon Street. The street - just yards from Kingsgate Street, which was once described as 'one of the finest Georgian streets in England' - was where Admiral Nelson's mistress Lady Hamilton once lived. The doctor said that after moving in, she was approached by several neighbours, who raised concerns about the tree. She said they were concerned that the growing oak could cause damage to their properties and potentially harm human life, and so 'they wanted to take it down'. The mother of two said: 'We applied to the council to have it removed and someone came to look at it. '[The tree officer] said that they want to put a tree protection order on it. '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. 'The council said they were concerned about removing it because it's one of the only trees in the area. 'All of the local residents seem to be of the opinion that unfortunately, it's the wrong tree in the wrong place.' The oak also sheds an 'awful lot of detritus' in the autumn and winter and she is concerned about the droppings which fall down from wildlife like pigeons and squirrels. According to a council report, the tree officer visited Ms Williams' address after receiving notice from the couple that it was due to be felled. After visiting, he found that that tree met the criteria for a provisional protection order, which was issued in February of this year. Some nine residents objected to the order ahead of the meeting. They all live in the centre of the cathedral city on roads which sit just yards away from Winchester College - the country's oldest public school. Mark Pocock branded the council's preliminary decision to protect the tree as 'ludicrous'. '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,' he said. 'I think putting a tree protection order on is grotesquely irresponsible of the council.' Mr Pocock said the oak could be 'a danger to property and life'. Nick Goff, 80, moved into his property on the road adjacent to Canon Street just over a year ago. The retired British Airways pilot said he is worried that if the tree continues to go, the roots underneath will damage a medieval wall in his garden, which was built in the Tudor era. Mr Goff said: 'The issue is that in 10 years time, that will be double the height and double the width. 'It put on six feet last year it it's going to put on another six feet this year.' An independent report from a tree consultancy business found the oak is still young, and is in 'good physiological condition'. But, the consultant found that it is 'a large sized tree in a very small area' and so the tree protection order is 'unjustified'. It also said that 'the possibility of longer term damage to the retaining walls and footings of the adjacent properties as entirely foreseeable'. 'Some guy planted this as something to do 40 years ago,' Mr Goff continued 'Now, we have got Jack and the Beanstalk. 'It's not a historic tree - it's a silly mistake.' The council report issued ahead of the meeting stated that the tree officer believed the concerns raised over the tree were 'speculative'. It said that while it is 'not historic', the tree 'contributes meaningfully to local biodiversity and visual amenity'. Retired resident Graham Rule, 62, said the decision by the local authority was 'irresponsible'. He said: 'We all love trees but that shouldn't be there.
Telegraph
06-06-2025
- General
- Telegraph
‘Jack and the Beanstalk' tree is a danger, say disgruntled neighbours
Neighbours are locked in a row with Winchester council over a 'Jack and the Beanstalk' oak tree that they say is dangerous. 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.
