LOCALS have been left fuming after their neighbour felled a 110-year-old oak tree on their street.
Disgruntled residents in Fareham, Hampshire, vented their frustrations after the historic 45ft tree was chopped down.
Homeowner Steve Thomas said there was “no alternative” to the tree being removed other than his house being crushed.
Fareham Borough Council, in Hampshire, say they were not told about the felling with enough notice amid claims it was unnecessary.
And residents also slammed RSA insurance for cutting down the “hugely important” plant as the “first resort” without considering other options.
Local resident Laura Ancell said the company should have “future-proofed” the affected property rather than chopping down the 45ft oak.
Laura, 60, said she was “outraged” by the loss of the tree which she discovered when she came back from the shop.
She said: “I am just outraged that this felling has taken place when mediation was in the pipeline. These are almighty oak trees.
“We have really fought for that tree. It is heartbreaking. It is happening all over the South of England and it has to stop.
“We have not been able to save this tree but there are other trees that can be saved.
“It is an utter disgrace. I am just lost for words that this has happened. I am just in shock.
“I just nipped to the shops first thing this morning. When I came back I heard some noise and thought what the hell is that and saw all the branches being cut off.
“Taking that tree out was not the solution to the problem. There used to be a whole row of Oaks.
“The trees have been there for a hundred years. They have got huge value. I have admired these trees for the last 25 years of living here.”
She added: “I believe this is a national scandal that is quietly happening under our noses. A cut here, a cut there. It’s quite simply death by a thousand cuts.
“It’s a vicious circle and insurance companies want to maximise profits, which I understand, but at the same time they spout all of these environmental credentials yet they haven’t offered any other feasible option other than felling a majestic so called protect oak tree.”
Retired surveyor Tim Bishop, 67, explained that the trees were important for biodiversity with “huge numbers of insects and birds”.
He said: “I just think there aren’t that many Oak trees left. It harbours huge numbers of insects and birds.
“It is just the thought we are knocking it down when it was not needed. We are concerned he will go for the other trees next.”
The felled oak was under a Tree Protection Order (TPO) which meant Mr Thomas had to apply to Fareham Borough Council in Hampshire for planning permission to chop it down.
Permission was granted in April last year but the council have now criticised RSA for not giving them five days notice of the tree felling, one of the conditions listed in their decision notice.
The day after the tree was felled this week the principal tree officer at the council, Paul Johnston, contacted the insurance company.
He said the council were “concerned” that notice had not been given and to highlight the “distress” to residents.
Mr Johnston said: “I would like to draw your attention to the general notes on the decision notice requesting the Council is informed at least five days prior to commencing the approved tree works.
“Whilst there is a lawful decision granting consent for the removal of this oak tree, given the significant public interest and indeed distress amongst some residents, it would have been appropriate for notice to have been provided of the impending tree works.
“I’m raising the Council’s concern that it was not notified as requested on the decision notice.”
An engineering report on the Fareham home found that the subsidence was “slight” and caused by shrinking of the clay soil underneath the home.
The property was built in 1985 with foundations just 1.5 metres deep, which the arboriocultural report found were “inadequate”, and the tree was in the corner of the garden on a strip of Crown land.
LAST RESORT
Mr Thomas declined to comment as he watched the tree being felled.
However, he said: “I don’t see why there’s such a fuss. There was no alternative other than the house falling down.”
A spokesperson for RSA said: “Where a home has suffered any tree related subsidence damage, it must always be remedied to prevent further damage to the property and distress to the homeowner.
“As soon as we are notified of these particular claims, qualified experts are engaged to investigate, identify and advise on all potential courses of action.
“All options are considered and explored and the removal of the tree is the option of last resort.
“The loss of any tree is regrettable; but in some cases targeted tree removal can be the most effective solution in mitigating subsidence and protecting our customer’s home.”
An RSA Insurance spokesperson have said they are speaking to the council after being criticised for not giving appropriate notice for the felling of an oak tree.
“We are taking this up directly with the council.”
The Sun has also contacted the council for comment.
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