Bid to cut down trees 'damaging Southampton building' halted

Roots from trees outside Glenville Court, in Old Farm Drive, Townhill Park, have spread into a broken drainage system.

Residents wrote to the council concerned about the risk of the trees causing structural damage to the building and then informed the council of a plan to remove two Norway maple trees.

The council's tree team then created a preservation order in October, protecting the two trees - and two silver birch trees - from being felled.

But the flats' management company then objected to the order - and councillors will now need to decide if it will be created and enforced.

In a letter to the council, the management company said: "We are concerned about potential damage being caused by the tree roots to the building and drainage system."

It added: "We understand the importance of preserving trees and the benefits they provide to the environment.

"However, in this particular case, our primary concern is the wellbeing and safety of the residents living in Grenville Court.

"It is imperative that the potential risks associated with the tree roots damaging the building and drainage system are considered and addressed appropriately."

The two silver birch trees. Picture: Google (Image: Google)

An independent assessment of the flats says roots have got into the drainage system. The council says this is because the drains were broken - but not by the tree roots.

A council officer's report ahead of a decision this week said: "Given that no evidence has been advanced that demonstrates that the trees are the factor to the alleged structural damage to the building, (councillors) are requested to consider the impact that the loss of these trees would have to the local amenity and weigh this up against the information presented in objection to it being confirmed."

Permission to fell the Norway maples could be given later even if the order is made - as long as there is evidence they are damaging the building.

Councillors will meet on Tuesday at the Planning and Rights of Way Panel to decide the matter.