Downham Market tree which poses ‘immediate risk of serious harm’ could be cut down

A tree which presents “an immediate risk of serious harm” could be removed.

A planning application has been submitted to cut down a monterey cypress at 50 Bexwell Road in Downham, which is within the town’s conservation area.

The applicant says that work is “urgently needed” to remove the “risk” it poses.

They add: “One of the large bows hit the back of our neighbours wooden shed/workshop and (we are) concerned further damage may occur to our neighbours property, or worse still, injury to persons if anyone is in the workshop if another bow falls.”

West Norfolk Council has agreed to a five-day notice decision, which means the tree’s future will be decided within the next week rather than the usual six-eight weeks that planning applications are subject to.

Strict conditions must be met for a five-day notice to be granted, with the tree work deemed to be urgent.

Councils will make a decision based on information given to them about the tree and the danger it may cause if the works are not completed quickly.