Olive branch from Planning could save old town tree

Wednesday 17 February 2016

Planning could step in to save an old tree that neighbours want to get rid of.

Residents at Royal Bank Court on Mont Millais want to chop it down because it's dropping leaves and sap on their cars.

But one of them isn’t happy about her neighbours’ plans and is rooting to protect the tree.

Natalie Strecker has already suggested frequent pollarding, a leaf blower and a regular sweep up of the area and now she’s hoping Planning will put some protection in place so that it doesn't get the chop.

She said: “I feel passionately that we should not be cutting down every tree that we find inconveniences us a little and rather have a duty to preserve as many of our trees as we can; especially in urban areas.

“The tree serves a number of important purposes, one obviously being on a main road, it absorbs some of the pollution, creating much needed oxygen; it no doubt absorbs some of the noise pollution produced by cars; during heavy rains it will absorb much of the surface water and we have seen some of the effects of cutting down trees in the UK in this regard and additionally it serves as a home for wildlife.”

The tree and two others in the car park are now on a provisional Planning list for protection.

Director of Planning Policy Kevin Pilley said: “We’re currently reviewing if there is sufficient amenity value to put protection in place for the tree.”