Parents fear tree may crush daughter

PARENTS are calling for a tree they fear is putting their daughter's life in danger to be felled.

Husband and wife Rolf and Jackie Griffiths are objecting to an application submitted to Staffordshire Moorlands District Council for a tree preservation order (TPO) to be placed on a beech tree less than eight feet from their daughter Tilly's bedroom.

The room has been specially adapted to meet the needs of eight-year-old Tilly, who suffers from muscle-wasting disease Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

The 20-metre tall tree is in front of the couple's home and business, Prospect House Guest House, along the A520 in Cheddleton.

Mr Griffiths, aged 50, said: "I would like to see the tree either severely pruned or gone completely.

"When I approached a tree surgeon to do the work he got in touch with the council, who slapped a preservation order on it meaning it could not be felled.

"My main concern is that a lump of tree could come crashing down on the roof of Tilly's bedroom. It isn't our tree. If it was we wouldn't have let it grow so big.

"I'm not optimistic that planners will rule in our favour but I will take the matter to Government appeal if they don't.

"I just hope for once the council will see sense.

"It would be a nice tree if it was somewhere else, like in a park.

"All it would take is a gust of wind in the wrong direction and a branch could fall on our house. Or in the other direction on to the busy main road."

Mrs Griffiths added: "I am concerned. It is a very big tree, very close to my little girl's bedroom.

"I do think it is a beautiful tree which has had a lovely long life.

"But sadly it is in the wrong place.

"It is a shame it is so close to Tilly's bedroom extension.

"The thought that a bough or the whole tree could one day fall down is causing us a lot of anxiety."

Stephen Ellis is district councillor and portfolio holder for planning.

He said: "The council was called by a tree surgeon who had been asked by Mrs and Mrs Griffiths to fell the tree. In checking if the tree was protected, he expressed an opinion that it appeared healthy.

"The specimen was not protected at the time of the surgeon's enquiry.

"However, his call prompted the council to examine the tree and conclude that it warranted protection.

"The tree is very close to the house, especially to the ground floor bedroom of Mr and Mrs Griffiths's daughter.

"Their concern is understandable because everyone worries about the proximity of large trees in strong winds.

"However, the tree is perfectly healthy and is no more likely to topple than any other.

"In conclusion, the significance and amenity value of the tree in a prominent public position are such that it should not be removed in the absence of disease, decay or other indication that drastic action is required."

The district council's planning applications committee will discuss the matter at its next meeting tomorrow.

This will take place in the council chambers, Moorlands House, Leek, tomorrow at 2pm.