Future of tree facing the chop hangs in the balance

The future of an ancient oak tree hangs in the balance after councillors deferred a decision to fell it.

The 60ft (18m) tree, which is more than 100 years old, was said to be the cause of subsidence at several properties in Stanford-le-Hope, Essex, according to an engineer.

But despite damage caused to his home, nearby resident Rob Selwyn was among those urging Thurrock Council to spare it the chop.

The local authority's planning committee chose to delay a final decision on Thursday, saying it wanted more evidence before swinging the axe.

Rooted in the grounds of a listed building on South Hill, the tree is protected by a preservation order.

However, an engineer's report found it was causing "severe damage" to properties in Saffron Close, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Mr Selwyn said he preferred lopping the tree and installing a barrier over felling it.

The 77-year-old's comments came despite cracks appearing both inside and outside his home.

"I don't want to see it cut down," he said. "If it's lopped, that would take back the branches and curb its growth.

"A metal barrier placed between my home and the roots of the tree would also help."

The tree survived a previous bid to fell it eight years ago over concerns about subsidence.

Thurrock Council's planning committee was told that if it did not act this time round, it could be liable for any damage.

But Conservative ward councillor Barry Johnson said evidence of damage caused by the tree was not a "proven fact".

More than 15 objections were also made against the tree's destruction.

Betty Beaumont, who lives nearby, said the tree was a "landmark for the village".

"When you're driving down from the flyover, you know you're home because you can see it, " she said.

Her concerns were echoed by Gary Collins, landlord of The Bell pub, who said the village would be lost without it.

He added: "There must be another way of solving the problem."

In a report made by the council's planning officers, the tree was deemed a "fine specimen that provided a "high level of amenity in the village".

However, the report concluded it must be axed.

"In normal circumstances, its removal would not be permitted," the author wrote.

"However, it is considered that it is likely that the tree is a contributory factor to the subsidence occurring at the property, and therefore its removal is justified."

Planning committee councillors did not follow the recommendations and voted to delay the decision to get more evidence.

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