The government planning inspector will now decide if a century old pine tree in Tilehurst should get chopped down.
The fate of a century-old pine tree in Tilehurst lies in the hands of a government planning inspector, following an appeal from local resident Brian Nunan.
Nunan's request to fell the tree was denied by West Berkshire Council, which cites the pine as a vital part of the area's landscape. Nunan argues the tree has caused damage to his car and property, including £3,000 worth of repairs after storms Eunice and Bert.
West Berkshire's tree officer describes the Monterey Pine as a significant skyline feature that enhances the urban environment. He warns that cutting it down could set a worrying precedent for other trees in the district.
Originally part of a group of 130 pines protected by a preservation order since 1966, only around 30 remain today. The tree in question stands alongside another, and felling one would compromise the visual integrity of the group, according to the council.
While Nunan claims falling cones and branches pose a danger to his mental and physical health, the tree officer counters that seasonal nuisances, like bird droppings, do not justify its removal. He suggests that alternative solutions, such as maintenance or protective nets, could address the concerns.
Nunan also disputes the council's assertion that bird droppings are seasonal, stating he's forced to wash his car weekly and criticising the idea of netting as impractical. He notes that most of his neighbours support the tree’s removal, while earlier compensation claims from the council were dismissed as acts of God.
.Niki Hinman, Local Democracy Reporter
