Potentially dangerous tree may be protected

A cypress tree in Englefield Green, that 'leans dangerously' towards a busy road, could be protected by council planners on Wednesday (December 10), despite the owners' fears it may cause an accident.

The mature cypress conifer tree, prominent on the corner Tite Hill, near the junction of Middle Hill and lies on property belonging to Harald and Stephanie Hovland, who fear stormy weather might cause it to fall across Tite Hill and cause an accident.

They applied to Runnymede Council to chop it down, but the council served a TPO on the tree, as it lies in a designated conservation area, which, if confirmed at tonight's meeting, will mean no work can be undertaken.

Software developer, Mr Hovland, who has lived at the property 20 years, said: "It's starting to lean more and more, especially with the heavy winds coming from the west and we worry that it might fall into Tite Hill.

"It must lean about 20 degrees from the vertical when there's a heavy wind and it would do some major damage if it fell.

"It's so broad it's now encroaching on the road, and hanging branches regularly get hit by high-sided vehicles."

The Hovlands were further frustrated through the knowledge that their previous application to remove the tree in 2004, was granted, but the work was never undertaken in time.

Their latest efforts to get the tree removed were thwarted, after the council parks and amenities officer inspected the tree and found there to be no safety issues, and said that it stands within a designated conservation area, warranting a TPO.

The council planning committee meets at the chambers in Addlestone tonight, to decide whether they will confirm the TPO, permanently protecting the tree, or allow the Hovlands to remove it.

They will consider whether the TPO, which directly interferes with the Hovlands' rights as property owners, should be enforced due to the tree being a public amenity.