1 week Ago By [email protected] (Piers Meyler)
Hundreds of people have put their names to a petition campaigning against the removal of the Giant Redwood tree in Epping. The petition signed by more than 400 people in less than 24 hours asks for reprieve for the tree, which could be cut down due to the damage it’s caused to nearby properties on Tidy's Lane. The Epping Society, a community organisation which started the petition, write: “This Redwood is one of the oldest and largest in the area, providing essential habitat for local wildlife.
Its loss would not only impact biodiversity, but also forever change the character of our town.” Supporter Michael Gordon said: “It was considered an offence when the The Sycamore Gap tree was 'butchered'. This wonderful Red wood at Epping should be afforded the same - or are councils exempt from criminality! Have some concern for your residents for once.
” Read more: Heartbroken family pay tribute to 'joyful' Harlow mum tragically killed in Ongar crash Read more: Efforts to end row between headteacher and council over school parking spaces D Shurville, a supporter of the petition, adds: “Quite rightly the tree should be saved, having stood in place for around 150 years. If the tree requires maintenance in order to 'fit' better with the developed local environment then that should be the first step and the priority to avoid deterioration of its health.” The notable 22-metre tall landmark at the gateway of Epping could be removed due to the damage it is causing to properties.
Cracks have appeared in one of the properties in the development known as Fir Trees on Palmers Hill due to subsidence caused by trees pulling excessive amounts of moisture out of the clay beneath. An application has been submitted to cut down a 22-metre-high Giant Redwood, which has a preservation order on it, on the corner of Tidy's Lane. An expert report had recommended that an 8.
5-metre Purple Leafed Plum and a 19-metre Cedar also be removed while another 22-metre Giant Redwood be reduced in height to 18 metres. The cost of the barrier is currently estimated to be £35,000 to £40,000. Superstructure repairs and decorations are currently estimated to be £18,000 should the tree works be undertaken.
Costs for underpinning and repairs in the event the tree works do not proceed are currently estimated to be £96,000 These recommendations have not been asked for in submissions to Epping Forest District Council. The application says that root barrier has been considered as an alternative to tree removal and may be viable however this requires further appraisal to evaluate the constraints of the site..
