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Search the Public Notice PortalAn ancient tree expert has warned that building work around a landmark oak tree in a Herefordshire village could be damaging it.
Hereford firm Marches Homes had sought permission (application 260012 ) to reduce the veteran tree beside Leintwardine’s High Street, the A4113, next to a site where the firm is building six new houses.
His application says the tree, which is covered by a tree protection order (TPO), “is large for the area and is encroaching onto the neighbouring property, as well as the main highway through the village and service/power lines”, and proposed to “reduce and reshape” it.
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But Herefordshire arboricultural consultant Jerry Ross, who is the county representative on the national Ancient Tree Forum, told Herefordshire Council that photos submitted with the application showed “intrusive groundworks and the presence of heavy machinery well within what should be a construction exclusion zone” around the tree.
Planning permission was granted in late 2023 to knock down the “poorly built” Oak Cottage on land behind the tree, and replace it with six dormer bungalows, with new access onto the main road.
Leintwardine Group Parish Council objected to the scheme at the time for several reasons including the potential harm to the tree, which it described as “possibly the oldest living thing in Leintwardine”.
An undertaking to alter the road access and to keep utilities clear of the tree’s root area were enough to allay these fears, Herefordshire Council’s tree officer said.
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But Mr Ross has now told the council a condition with the permission required fencing and groundworks around the tree to be monitored and approved by an arboricultural consultant, and asked it to confirm that this had been done, and “what steps will be taken to prevent further damage to this important tree”.
Asked about Mr Ross’ concerns, a council spokesperson said: “This is a live investigation. We are unable to comment further at this time.”
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Marches Homes was also approached for comment.
But Mr Ross added there appeared to have already been damage to the tree’s roots from digging and compaction.
“I’d be surprised if it weathers what’s gone on without suffering further dieback over the coming months and years,” he said.
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