'Not enough evidence for giant tree felling'

A giant 150-year-old tree that nearby residents fear might fall down cannot be felled as there is not enough evidence to support the move, council experts say.

During a recent storm, branches fell from the 100ft-tall Wellingtonia tree, which is close to properties in Lindfield Drive, Wellington, is covered by a tree preservation order (TPO).

Tree care specialist Benbow Brothers, which has suhas told Telford & Wrekin Council an application to get it removed was based on the regular loss of branches, which puts public and property safety at risk.

But the authority said its presence provided "aesthetic and environmental benefits" and " no supporting evidence has been provided to justify" its loss.

However one resident, aged 91, told the council that every time there was a storm or bad weather "it causes me a great deal of stress and anxiety".

"Over the years I have had several branches fall, one narrowly missing hitting me and others causing damage to my property; damaging the roof and eaves and resulting in costly repair work," the resident, who has not been named, said.

"The debris from the tree is constantly blocking gutters and drainpipes, again requiring remedial work."

In assessing a felling application, a council arboricultural officer said there had been "no assessment of the failure point to ascertain what proactive measures could be undertaken to retain the tree in the landscape".

"Measures [like] a crown reduction, pruning the failure out and feathering the side branches in.

"Additionally, no supporting evidence has been provided to justify the loss of the TPO tree."

Lee Brockhurst, of Benbow Brothers near Shrewsbury, had submitted photos of fallen branches and damage, but the authority said it was not enough to allow it to be cut down.

The company told the council it had been a problem, but "damage has been minor, involving no personal injury".

"However, the potential for further failure and significant damage in this location is high and our application is for removal," the company added.

The council told residents the proposed felling was unjustified when considering visual amenity, age and protection.

It said the "significant" and mature tree's presence provided aesthetic and environmental benefits.

"Felling should only be considered as a last resort, with careful evaluation of all alternative solutions.

"In this instance no technical information or justification from an arboricultural consultant has been provided."

Benbow Brothers said it would apply again with more information to get it removed.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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