Oak tree saved after family's battle with insurers

Scott and Linda Taylor Cantrill said the ancient oak played a vital role in supporting their son Redd

A family has spent thousands proving insurers can be challenged following a dispute over the removal of an ancient oak tree.

Exmouth Town Council agreed on Monday to block an insurance company's application to cut down the tree, following a major campaign by Linda and Scott Taylor Cantrill, whose Exmouth home is near to the oak.

They argued the tree was wrongly blamed for their property's subsidence and highlighted its vital role in supporting their son Redd, who is deaf-blind and epileptic.

Insurer LV General Insurance, owned by Allianz, has now contacted the family to discuss alternative solutions for stabilising their home.

The family interrupted their holiday to attend the council meeting on Monday, where they joined dozens of supporters, said the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

More than 95 people subjected letters of objection to the application, and the committee's decision was met with cheers from the public.

"This tree is essential for Redd's wellbeing," said Ms Taylor Cantrill. "It provides filtered shade, allowing him to safely play outside."

The couple had already removed around 20 trees from their back garden at the request of LV.

However, they maintained that the oak was not responsible for the subsidence, a claim supported by East Devon District Council's arboricultural officer.

Mr Taylor Cantrill, a construction professional, criticised the insurer's assessment, saying no roots were found near the house and no proper investigation had been conducted.

The couple said they had spent thousands on expert reports to prove their case.

"It's a huge relief," said Ms Taylor Cantrill. "We've shown that insurers can be challenged."

Local councillor Dan Wilson praised the outcome as a "fantastic display of people power" and called for legal reforms to protect councils from liability when rejecting such applications.