Witham traffic island tree faces the axe over 400 new homes

James Abbott pointed out the tree had survived Dutch elm disease

A developer has confirmed that a tree thought to be 150 years old will be chopped down as part of plans for 400 hew homes in Essex.

The elm tree sits on a traffic island in Hatfield Road off the A12 in Witham.

House builder Countryside said it "poses a threat to the highway" but promised to replant new trees nearby.

An online petition set up by Braintree district Green Party councillor James Abbott, opposing the removal, has collected more than 1,000 signatures.

Mr Abbott said the tree could be as old as 150 years and was a landmark for local people

"It is a real tragedy that now it faces being chopped down, simply for being in the wrong place," said Mr Abbott.

"This tree should be protected."

Mr Abbott pointed out the tree had lived through Queen Victoria's reign and had survived Dutch elm disease.

Countryside is owned by the Vistry Group and says it aims to create sustainable homes across the UK.

Replanting

A spokesperson said: "Countryside has investigated the possibility of the tree being replanted elsewhere, but after carrying out an extensive feasibility study, our arboriculturist has confirmed that due to the tree's size, age and ongoing decline, it will not be possible.

"The feasibility study has shown that the elm tree is in decline and poses a hazard to the highway, being infected with a fungus that is decaying the bottom of the trunk."

The spokesperson said it would "cultivate the elm tree's clone suckers" and would plant three of the clones near to the existing tree.

The proposed Woodend Farm development, which also includes plans for a day nursery and access roads, was granted outline planning permission from Braintree District Council in July 2022.

Essex County Council, responsible for local highways, was contacted for comment.