Protests over axing of Aldingbourne trees

A protest been made about the planned axing of two centuries-old trees in Aldingbourne.

Approval for the pair of horse chestnuts, believed to date back some 300 years, to be chopped down has been given by Arun District Council.

One of the trees is 15m high and its branches spread out up to 10m. The other tree is slightly taller, at 16m, and its branches have the same spread.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The trees at The Homestead, on Westergate Street, are protected by a tree preservation order, but the council has decided their poor condition means they should go for safety reasons.

Neighbour Russell Thomas said he believed the trees could survive with just some minor pruning.

"These trees add so much to the surrounding area '“ a landmark over many generations. As Captain Cook discovered New Zealand, both these trees were already quite a size.

"They shouldn't be felled because of 'ambiguity'. I think where there is doubt the decision to approve the felling of the trees should be delayed until all are agreed tree surgery is required and not felling.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"I have paid for a renowned expert, Graham Burgess from Kew, to survey the trees. He concludes both trees have many more years left in them," he said.

"His view is while one of the trees requires some serious analysis and possible removal of a large part of one trunk, the overall visual effect could be retained and improved for the long-term future by proper pruning. The other tree requires investigation to see how deep the rot is."

Mr Thomas said this verdict backed two reports written by experts about the trees last year.

The application to get rid of the horse chestnuts was made by Wilson House Developments. The site is being developed for an estate of four houses and eight flats.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Expert information submitted by the company with its plans says the trees are in a poor condition. Trainee consultant/surveyor Geoff Monck, of CBA, said both trees were unhealthy.

His visual assessment showed both had vertical bark splits on the stem and in the crown because of bleeding canker. One tree has multiple casualties from pruning wounds. The other has a large tear wound on its south side which contains a large decay cavity.

Arun has also received a report from its horticulturist which backs Mr Monck's verdict. The dual conclusions led the council to allow the trees to be lost.

However, it has insisted replacements must be planted during the next planting season. If they fail within five years, further replacements have to be provided.

Related topics: