Council saves 150-year-old tree from being felled

A 150-year-old tree has been given a long-term protection order by councillors to safeguard it from being felled.

A London Plane tree, known locally as "Chester", on Chichester Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, has been threatened by redevelopment plans for a 14-storey residential tower.

Some people living in the city have been campaigning for months to save the tree, arguing its removal would damage public trust as well as erode the streetscape.

Southend-on-Sea City Council's Development Control Committee unanimously agreed on the decision on Wednesday, with Martin Berry, an Independent councillor for St Luke's ward, adding the decision was "straightforward".

The protection has been granted by the authority after its officers concluded the tree was an "exceptional" example of its species, with a full canopy, no structural defects and an anticipated lifespan of up to another century, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

David Garston, a Conservative councillor for Prittlewell ward, said the strength of public feeling showed how important the tree had become to residents.

"The council will be viewed in a very good light for what we're doing," he added.

Simon Gittus, a campaigner for the Green Party, welcomed the decision and said it was "a clear recognition of the huge contribution this tree makes to our city".

The tree became a rallying point after a developer sought to remove it citing pre-existing highway safety concerns, despite earlier assurances that plans for the 58- flat tower would not require the loss of the tree.

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