Thank you for your interest in this story
To continue reading this article, subscribe to the Stray Ferret for as little as £1 a week
Already a subscriber? Log in here.
02
Nov
Huby woman left 'frustrated' after mystery person has preservation order slapped on her tree
A homeowner in Huby has been left annoyed and frustrated after someone applied for a preservation order on a tree in her garden – without asking her first, or revealing their identity afterwards.
Natalie Wade told the Stray Ferret she never wanted to cut down the mature Scots pine in her front garden, but she did want to look after it and ensure it was safe.
She said:
I've no idea who applied for the tree preservation order (TPO) or why they did it, but it's annoying, because I'd love to know.
The only reason I can think why they've doen it is that they've seen that one branch has been taken off it and don't want it to happen again.
But that branch was sagging onto an overhead wire, which is connected to a pole that supplies about 10 other properties, and we were afraid that a storm like last week's could bring the whole lot down.
So we paid a tree surgeon to come and cut of a branch professionally – with care and consideration. I didn't just get out my chainsaw! It was more of a precaution than anything else.
Under English law, anyone can apply for a TPO on any tree – they don't need to own the tree or the land it grows on to ask the local council to protect it. They can also remain anonymous.
The mystery applicant submitted the TPO application in August, and the order was made soon afterwards. Ms Wade then had 28 days to appeal the TPO, which she did, but the order was confirmed earlier this month nevertheless.
We appealed the order out of frustration, really. We absolutely want the tree to stay, but not being able to maintain a tree within the boundary of your own property without first asking the council is insane.
There's a dead branch hanging off it now, but we can't touch it without permission from the council. It just seems completely over the top.
0