AN ancient oak tree is set to be felled after it’s roots were said to be damaging the foundations of a nearby home reports the Local Democracy Reporter.
Thurrock Council’s planning committee will meet tonight (thurs) to decide whether to fell a more than 100-year-old Holm Oak in the grounds of Grices, a listed building in South Hill, Horndon-on-the-Hill in Stanford-le-Hope. While the 60ft high tree, which is protected by a tree preservation order, has not affected Grices, it is said to have damaged the foundations of a home in nearby 7 Saffron Close.
The large tree, which is said to be “in good health” forms part of a group of Holm Oaks at the top of South Hill on the edge of the Horndon on the Hill Conservation Area.
An engineering appraisal report concluded “severe” structural damage had occurred to the Saffron Gardens home.
The tree was previously blamed for subsidence at 6 Saffron Close and a bid was made to fell it eight years ago. That application was refused and the property was underpinned without the loss of this historic and significant tree.
The council’s landscape and ecology officer has assessed the tree. He said: “The tree is considered to be one of the best specimens in the borough and the loss of the tree would result in significant harm to the character of the conservation area and surrounding area.”
However, a report to the committee said it could cost £45,000 to underpin 7 Saffron Close to avoid felling the tree and if the application was refused, the council could be liable for any subsequent damage.
The council received 19 “strong objections” to the destruction of the tree, including from the Horndon on the Hill Society/Community Forum. The forum said: “They don’t know the importance that the tree has to the Village. This is the most prominent and significant of the three Holm Oaks which frame the view of the entry to the Village centre as one travels North approaching the crest of South Hill.
“Its loss would significantly change the setting of the Conservation Area. The Holm Oaks have been a landmark of the Village for well over 100 years. There are relatively few large mature trees in, or immediately surrounding the Village following the ravages of Dutch elm disease.”
In a report to the committee, planning officers said: “The tree is a fine specimen, providing a high level of amenity in the village. In normal circumstances its removal would not be permitted.
