Protected trees across March are facing the chop with disease to blame

Trees were a leading topic of conversation at March Town Council’s meeting last night.

Councillors, including newly elected Rob Skoulding, were faced with three planning applications involving trees with preservation orders on them

The first was an Ash tree at 177 Station Road.

Stella Green, of the Ely Diocesan Office, has applied for permission to fell the tree as it is said to be dying as the result of a fungus infection.

However, town clerk Sarah Lemmon said she was not happy with the report that had been submitted in support of the application.

She said it was not on headed paper and did not look as “professional” as you would expect. Ms Lemmon said she had contacted Fenland Council for further clarification but had not had a response.

Cllr Jennifer Lawler said she was unhappy with the application and felt Fenland’s own tree expert should take a look at what she described as “this huge Ash tree”.

She felt other options should be explored to try to retain the tree.

However, Cllr Rob Skoulding was concerned that it might pose a danger to the public and said: “How do we stand if a branch comes down and hits a child or anybody else?”

Cllr Jan French replied it could be culpable manslaughter.

However, Cllr Andrew Woollard also had concerns about simply tearing the tree down and also felt the report was not detailed enough, while Cllr Tim Taylor agreed Fenland’s own tree expert should be asked for his opinion and it should come down as quickly as possible if he agreed it was necessary.

Cllr Lawler said the council’s arboriculturist had already suggested that the tree could be pruned and the crown reduced.

It was agreed there was not enough information for councillors to make a proper decision on the application.

The second application was for works to a London Plane tree in the grounds of 24 Laburnum Grove.

Cameron Harris had applied to carry out work to the tree, which is overhanging the neighbours and is prosing a threat to their conservatory.

Councillors agreed there was not problem with the application.

Finally Cambridgeshire County Council has applied to fell a False Acacia tree which stands outside Iceland in High Street.

The tree is also diseased and Ms Lemmon said its condition has been such that it has not been used for the Christmas lights displays in recent years.

Cllr Lawler said the tree had not been properly cared for as it requires regular pruning, which has not happened.

She said the species of tree has a lifespan of around 90 years and it is already 55 years old.

She said: “Given its short life-span I don’t have a problem with this.”

Cllr Martin Field suggested that it be replaced with a new False Acacia tree, with Cllr Lawler adding that if that were to happen it should be pruned every year to keep it healthy.

It was agreed to support the felling of the tree.