School denied removal of walnut tree

Lichfield Cathedral School says the walnut tree overhanging a playground posed a "significant risk" to a pupil

A school has been told it cannot remove a tree to prevent allergic reactions among pupils.

Lichfield Cathedral School had argued nuts dropping from the walnut tree in its grounds posed a "significant risk" to a child with a severe nut allergy. Nine others also had nut allergies, it said.

The Staffordshire school's request to overturn an order that preserved the 70-year-old tree was refused by Lichfield District Council.

Members of its planning committee said they sympathised with the dilemma the school faced but removing the tree was a disproportionate response.

Mr Mayne said walnuts could be trampled under foot and into classrooms

Jonathan Mayne, director of operations at the school, had told planners it had a duty of care over its pupils.

"The tree in question overhangs one of our playgrounds that has a tarmac surface," he said.

Mr Mayne said the child's mother showed "palpable fear" when she saw its location, which prompted him to act.

"When she saw walnuts lying on the tree in the garden where the tree is located [it] convinced me that action has to be taken to minimise any risks to the child," he said.

Nine other children with nut allergies could be affected to a lesser degree, he said.

He said walnuts trampled under foot could make their way into the classroom.

Cllr David Salter responded: “It seemed rather overkill to remove a tree of that nature on a possible problem, but I hadn’t considered the oils from the nuts could be trodden into the school.”

But the council called for other ways of tackling the issue.

Councillor Diane Evans, who herself has a nut allergy, said: “What concerns me is this tree is 70 years old and potentially had 130 years left.

“For me, it would be very disappointing to fell a tree of this nature and this maturity."