Sheffield neighbours set for success in fight to save ‘local landmark’ tree
Residents of a Sheffield street look set to have protected a tree from being cut down by their neighbour.
A tree preservation order has been put in place for the beech tree on Shirebrook Road, Meersbrook. Sheffield City Council’s planning committee is being asked to confirm the order at its meeting next Tuesday (July 9).
A report to the committee says that community tree officer Vanessa Lyons visited the road in January after the council was alerted by several members of the public that tree surgeons were about to cut down the mature copper beech.
The tree surgeons told her that “the tree was to be removed due to concerns regarding its proximity to the adjacent house and highway, and concern over potential damage to underground utilities,” said the report.
“Several members of the public were present, and who expressed theirdesire for the tree to be retained, describing it as a local landmark.
“No evidence of any damage caused by the tree to the adjacent property, or services and no evidence to indicate that the tree posed a risk to the highway, other than via minor encroachment, for which pruning would offer a remedy.”
Another community tree officer agreed with her assessment.
On being told that the tree was going to be subject to a protection order, the tree surgeons declined to start work and left.
The owner of the land objected to the order on the grounds that potential damage is likely to occur from the drainage system, which is less than a metre away, and a property which is less than three metres away. They were concerned about issues of liability.
They also pointed to the size of the branches that overhang the highway and the potential damage or injury to vehicles and pedestrians were they to fall.
They argued that the tree is not unique, a replacement would be planted, and the tree has become unmanageable for its surroundings.
Tree protection officers say that the tree was due to be removed on a speculative basis only, as no evidence of damage to the house or underground services has been provided. Future issues could be managed without felling the tree.