Our village is at war over 60ft oak tree – I live in darkness & fear it'll crush my home… but I can't chop it down
VILLAGERS at war with a nightmare 60ft tree have lost their latest battle to get it chopped down.
Plans to fell the protected oak, which sits just metres from thatched cottages in Kings Newton, South Derbyshire, have been axed.
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Residents living next to the "frightening" behemoth in Sleepy Lane have fumed that it could crush their homes.
They claim it also causes major sewage issues, problems with the road surface and blocks huge amounts of natural light.
It was planted 34 years ago after a 109-year-old tree in the same spot was deemed to be in a dangerous condition and felled.
DerbyshireLive reported that the sleepy village is divided by the new oak, which sits next to a public footpath leading into the picturesque countryside.
Paul Hackney, whose house is dwarfed by the 30-foot-wide tree, saw his proposal to have it cut down rejected earlier this week.
Almost 80 rejection letters were submitted at a South Derbyshire District Council meeting.
Opposition was led by Melbourne Parish Council.
The "nuisance" tree is expected to reach 300 years old, much to the horror of some locals.
Mr Hackney told how the shrub had proved to be a hazard to vehicles after it was recently hit by an Ocado delivery van.
He said: "Ultimately it is a tree that has outgrown its position.
"It would be better for the residents to resolve the issue and be involved in the future planning of a new tree (if required) without the understandable stress and worry of the current situation."
But John Jackson, chair of the residents association, argued that the oak was healthy and did not pose a risk.
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Councillors understood the frustrations of locals living in its shadow, but defended keeping the "healthy" tree.
Cllr Andrew Kirke said: 'I do have some sympathy for the neighbours.
"We have many very large trees but we can't just chop them down in case there is a strong wind.
'We have lots of periods of strong wind while it has been there and trees have fallen down but it has stayed up through all of that.
"There is no reason to chop down such a healthy specimen.'
Cllr Jayne Davies added: 'It is such a glorious tree.
"It has a tree preservation order for a reason and the applicant can come back for a crown or lift or another suitable solution.'
It comes as a similar 'Jack and the beanstalk' tree continues to frustrate homeowners in Winchester, Hampshire.
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Locals in Canon Street slammed the "grotesquely irresponsible" and "ludicrous" 45 foot high oak.
But now it has branched into an "out of proportion" eyesore which overshadows the gardens of nearby properties - where the average house price is more than £600,000.
However, the council have refused to cut it down and placed it under a protection order.
The authorities said residents from a neighbouring street "appreciated" the tree.
The decision has sparked outrage among locals who are actually dealing with the daily repercussions of such an overwhelming tree.
South Derbyshire District Council has been approached for comment.
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