Woman wants to chop down tree she is 'allergic' to

Rachna Anderson moved into the property in 2022 and said she starting experiencing symptoms a few months after moving in

A woman who claimed she has a severe allergic reaction to a tree in her garden has been told by a council she cannot chop it down.

Rachna Anderson, who lives in Easton, near Norwich, Norfolk said she had developed a painful allergy to a Scots pine tree which has caused her to have excruciating burning, redness and swelling to her face.

The 41-year-old wanted to cut the pine down but the tree is legally protected and she has been told it was "unlikely" South Norfolk Council would permit the move.

She said: "This tree is causing severe health issues that have drastically impacted my life, yet my repeated requests to the council for its removal have been disregarded."

The Scots pine tree in Mrs Anderson's garden is covered by a Tree Preservation Order

After undergoing medical testing and treatments over the past two years, doctors have not been able to identify any other allergies which may be the cause.

Trees of this species which have needle-like leaves are known to cause reactions in some people.

Mrs Anderson has now submitted an official planning application to the council for it's removal.

But the large pine is protected from being felled by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO).

'Trapped in my home'

The physician associate for the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust moved into the property on Dereham Road with her husband and daughter in 2022 and said she experienced "unusual symptoms" after a few months of living there.

She said: "I am forced to sit in front of fans, enduring freezing cold to alleviate the burning sensation on my face. My face often feels like it is on fire, turns bright red and becomes unbearably swollen.

"These symptoms are so severe that I feel trapped in my home, embarrassed to go out and riddled with anxiety. I have no social life and I can't make eye contact with people."

Mrs Anderson said she has had two anaphylactic emergency interventions and required courses of steroids.

A spokesman for South Norfolk Council, said: "We understand that Mrs Anderson believes that she is allergic to the tree and that this is being investigated.

"The council has agreed to hold off making a decision until Mrs Anderson has the results of those investigations."

However, Mrs Anderson said if the bid was unsuccessful she would consider emigrating to Australia.

"I can't live with this. I want my life back," she said.