A dispute over a single tree is causing significant friction between residents and local authorities in a Worcester street. At the heart of the matter is a cedar tree in Pearmain Close, which Worcester City Council values highly for its history and amenity, but which nearby homeowners say is causing serious damage to their property.
Council Rejects Felling Application
The conflict came to a head recently when Worcester City Council formally rejected an application to chop down the cedar tree. In their decision, council officials emphasised the tree's "high amenity and historic value", leading them to refuse permission for its removal. The application, submitted by concerned residents, had argued that the tree was in "declining health" and raised structural concerns.
However, the council's tree and landscape officer reviewed the evidence and concluded that "no conclusive evidence has been presented to demonstrate structural damage to the property or significant internal decay" within the tree itself. This assessment left the applicants frustrated, as they remain convinced the tree's root system is the source of their problems.
Residents Vow to Fight On With New Evidence
Undeterred by the initial rejection, the applicants have announced their intention to submit a fresh application. They plan to include additional information specifically requested by the city's planning team during the first review process. The core of their argument centres on the physical impact of the tree.
The residents assert that the roots of the historic cedar are actively causing damage, including to their driveway. They believe that with more detailed evidence, they can persuade the council that the risk to their property outweighs the tree's protected status. The case highlights the delicate balance councils must strike between preserving environmental heritage and responding to legitimate homeowner concerns.
Understanding Tree Protection in Worcester
This case underscores the strict rules governing work on protected trees. In Worcester, as across the UK, you cannot simply decide to remove a tree if it is under protection. There are two main types of protection:
- Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs): For a tree with a TPO, you must submit a formal application to the council for consent to carry out any work, including felling. The council aims to make a decision within 6 to 8 weeks of receiving the application.
- Conservation Areas: If the tree is in a conservation area, you must submit a 'Section 211 Notice' to the council, giving them six weeks' notice of your intended work. This allows the council time to consider placing a new TPO on the tree if they wish to protect it.
The residents of Pearmain Close are now gathering further documentation for their next application, setting the stage for another round in this battle between personal property and prized local history. The outcome will be closely watched by others who find themselves in similar situations across the region.
