RESIDENTS have hit out against a bid to fell an ancient oak tree, calling it a” tragedy”.
An application has been made to Thurrock Council to fell a 100-year-old Holm Oak in the grounds of Grices, a listed building in Saffron Gardens, Horndon-on-the-Hill.
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 nearby 7 Saffron Close and the application was recommended for approval.
Last week the council’s planning committee deferred a decision on the application after hearing a vital report had not been made available to the committee or the public.
Resident Julian Vereker, said: “This is a cause of great concern for many people in the village – and beyond – who care about the preservation of ancient and beautiful trees that are vital to the heritage of our area.
“The fact that the tree has a preservation order and is also in an historic conservation area just adds to the importance of this issue. It would be a tragedy and a great blight on our local council should the tree be destroyed.”
Mr Vereker said he believed the application may have been encouraged by an insurance company. He added: “The residents of Horndon and beyond are absolutely furious about this situation.”
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.
At the planning meeting, resident Peter Woodard said an Engineering Appraisal Report for the application existed but had not been made available, leaving the committee and the public at a disadvantage.
Mr Woodward told the committee they should not “underestimate the value of these iconic trees to this historic village”.
Ward counclllor Barry Johnson, said: “The removal of this tree would substantially harm the character of this lovely conservation area and the surrounding area as it is very visible.”
The application was deferred for the document to be made available to the public and the committee.
