Fears 100-year-old beech tree on Hills Road in Cambridge could be felled after insurance report
Residents in Cambridge are hoping to save a 100 year old beech tree on Hills Road that could be felled to satisfy insurers.
The tree, which is already covered by a preservation order, has been earmarked by an insurance report as the cause of subsidence in a home on the street and an application to chop it down has been received by Cambridge City Council.
However residents have expressed their dismay at the proposal and the Federation of Cambridge Residents Associations (FECRA) fears this “risk avoidance” pressure could see more trees lost in the city.
Wendy Blythe, spokesperson for FECRA, said: “Residents are worried that if the Hills Road application is approved it may set a precedent for other applications following insurers’ reports. One outcome might be that applications for felling will be approved by officers without going to the planning committee because they will want to avoid controversy and the risk of the council incurring financial liability if officer recommendations to fell trees on private land following insurers’ reports are rejected.
“This city has a policy to increase tree canopy cover but is facing huge developmental pressure. People have no confidence that mature trees once felled will be replaced like for like or that new replacements will even be watered.”
The damage complained of relates to “the front elevation and the internal walls to the front of the property where cracking indicates downward movement” a report for insurers indicates this has been caused by clay shrinkage related to “moisture abstraction by vegetation.” The resort recommends the tree is removed.
Meanwhile concerned Cambridge residents have submitted their objections to the city council. So far 17 objections have been received.
One resident wrote: “I have totally had enough of insurance companies demanding that our biggest, leafiest trees be felled on the pretext that they may cause subsidence.
“Obviously, the system that allows insurance companies to make such demands is the core of the problem, and the solutions to this must be political.
“The tree and neighbouring houses have co existed for, I would guess, at least 100 years. If there is subsidence now, then it seems something other than the tree is responsible”
The application, 23/0446/TTPO, is pending consideration. To comment, visit https://www.greatercambridgeplanning.org/
