Historic trees in Ipswich see works approved despite resident backlash

Works have been approved for several beloved historic trees in Ipswich despite a backlash from residents.

On Wednesday morning, members of the borough’s planning and development committee were asked to decide on two applications for works on several veteran trees.

The first application included the crown reduction of a cedar tree in Gorsehayes between 3.5 and five metres as well as the installation of three non-invasive cables.

The proposals sparked controversy, with the application receiving 32 different representations from homeowners nearby.

One of the objectors, who spoke at the meeting, argued that the tree had survived winds over 80mph as a result of recent storms and posed little danger to residents.

He said: “The tree is doing fine on its own and the report clearly states it has the ability to recover.

“I reckon this tree is healthier than half the people sitting in this committee, and I put my money on it.”

Councillors had to weigh a Tree Protection Order (TPO), initially set up in 1971, against the possible danger of fallen branches as a result of significant structural weakness within its main stem.

Cllr Tony Gould, who agreed with the resident’s assessment, said: “During Storm Henk if you saw a tree waving its branches, you probably would not walk under it. The risk of injury is minute.”

Cllr Carole Jones disagreed — she said: “I find it astonishing that Cllr Gould said the probability of injury is minute.

“It’s clearly an old tree and it has to be safe, and it’s not for us to second guess the public safety issues but to accept we have officers making expert recommendations on that issue.”

Councillors also heard that a small branch had recently fallen from the tree which could have injured a person walking underneath.

Committee members agreed with the officer’s recommendation that the tree posed a significant enough danger and voted in favour of the proposals, with only one vote against.

The second application, which related to works on six trees in Tuddenham Road, included the felling of an ash tree as a result of extensive decay.

This group of trees, also protected by a TPO implemented in 2001, sparked similar local controversy, garnering 22 objecting representations.

Ward representative, Cllr Inga Lockington, spoke at the meeting in favour of preserving the trees and respecting the original TPO.

She said: “The trees have been enjoyed for many years and by many generations, we need to keep our veteran trees.

“None of us has a right to walk on the field, we can only enjoy it — this is a beautiful area and I’m really sad about the anger this application has caused.”

The trees are part of the Red House Farm site earmarked for future residential development and, despite resident concerns that the application was being put forward with the site’s future use in mind, the committee’s report dismissed this as untrue.

Before the meeting, Ipswich MP, Tom Hunt, also took to Facebook to express his disapproval of the proposed works.

He said: “This hasn’t been handled well by Ipswich Borough Council. I’ve visited the site to see the trees in question and discuss them with concerned residents.

“These are ancient beautiful trees and I’ve been very concerned by the cavalier almost blase approach by some to this issue.”

In the end, however, a majority of councillors once again decided to follow the officer’s recommendation to approve the works, with just three votes being placed against them.