THE owner of five poplar trees will be appealing a decision by the city council to not cut them down.
Jo Gualano wanted to fell the trees at New House, Down Farm Lane, in Headbourne Worthy, but Winchester City Council's officers recommended they be kept.
The initial plan was to remove six trees, but it was later discovered that only five of them had tree protection orders. The city council's planning committee supported the tree officers' recommendation on Wednesday, April 17.
Ms Gualano's fears stemmed from storm damage at the start of the year when three poplars had to be felled. She said that the damage cost her around £12,500 and that she will be appealing the city council's decision.
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The tree officers' report said that there wasn't enough evidence to fell the trees.
The Worthys ward councillor Jackie Porter spoke in support of them being felled. She said: “In the spring, the tree fell across the road and pulled down a telegraph wire. It also caused damage to a fence and hedgerow. The community has shown strong support for the trees to be felled.
The costs have been very high for the owner. I urge the committee to consider this seriously.”
Supporter Anita Gibson, of Down Farm Lane, said: “This is a real cause for concern. Trees can be replaced, lives can't.”
The applicant's agent Ben Abbatt said: “The committee should replace these trees with something more appropriate.”
Cllr Frank Pearson said that removing the trees would weaken those remaining. He said: “Trees are a valued part of the ecosystem. It's a known fact that removing the trees would weaken the rest of the group.”
Cllr Chris Edwards, committee vice chairman, said: “There's no doubt this is a distinctive group that adds to the amenity value of the area. But I also recognise the community's concern, which is not trivial.
“We have been asked to fell the trees because they may fall. But we have heard that these trees might be healthy for another 40 years. I'm minded to support the officers' recommendation.”
The committee voted in favour of refusing the application with seven votes for and one abstention.
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