Tottenhill resident feels ‘triumphant’ as plans to reduce height of ‘dangerous’ trees on Willow Place are approved

A villager who called on a council to allow work to a row of “dangerous” trees says he now feels “triumphant”.

That’s because Hugh Hazelton has finally been given the green light to reduce the height of the three most “threatening” trees which are causing the most concern to residents of Willow Place and Green Lane in Tottenhill.

71-year-old Mr Hazelton, along with a number of his neighbours in the area, had shared fears with West Norfolk Council that the 60ft Scots pines could come crashing down on to properties.

After a neighbour’s application to remove seven of the 17 trees was refused by the council in January, Mr Hazelton called on the authority to think again and ease a Tree Protection Order (TPO) so that they could be felled or reduced in height back in April.

Turning down the plans in January, the council’s arboricultural officer said the justification for the felling and removal of them had “not been sufficiently demonstrated” and did not “outweigh the resulting harm to local amenity that would follow the loss of these valuable trees”.

He said that they “make a significant contribution to the landscape and amenity value of the area”.

But Mr Hazelton disagreed with this assessment and said: “These trees serve no useful purpose, and are certainly not a ‘visual amenity’ of any obvious merit.

“Were one or more of certain trees within this group of 17 pines to collapse, two properties would be struck.

“Also, were any to fall easterly (admittedly less likely apart from the deformed tree which is leaning that way due to its own imbalanced weight) any one of three bungalows opposite would be hit.”

Since then, Mr Hazelton decided to instead apply to reduce the “three most threatening” trees - the plans for which were approved by West Norfolk Council last month.

He said that they have sought estimates for the work and, weather permitting, hope to have it completed next month.

His neighbours in Green Lane are currently waiting to hear back from the council regarding a similar application concerning their trees which belong to the same group, Mr Hazelton added.

The villager has thanked his fellow residents for their help in securing approval for the plans.

“A key factor - I think - in getting this consent out of West Norfolk Council was the individually signed statements of support from virtually every single resident of Willow Place,” Mr Hazelton said.

“I’ve never before seen such unity.”

Now feeling “triumphant”, he said: “I’m happy to have largely assuaged the concerns and worries of several neighbours over the potential danger posed by these trees.

“I’m also pleased and grateful to have received so much support from all neighbours - affected by the trees or otherwise - plus Tottenhill Parish Council 100% and the Lynn News.”

Approving Mr Hazelton’s application, one of the council’s case officers said: “The applicant has provided a very detailed supporting statement advising that neighbours frequently express their concern about the trees and the close proximity to their properties.

“The size of the trees and the increasing frequency of storms are generating fears that are now detrimentally impacting residents’ use and enjoyment of their properties.”

The pine trees are now around 45 years old, having been planted by a landowner in around 1979.

The case officer added: ”Having met and discussed the issue with the property owner, I have some sympathy with them and their concerns.”