Overview

• The 45-foot oak was planted around 50 years ago and grew six feet over the past year in a small garden within Winchester’s conservation area.
• Homeowners led by Orla Williams applied to fell the tree, citing risks of falling branches, root damage to neighbouring properties and persistent detritus.
• Winchester County Council imposed a provisional protection order in February, citing the oak’s value for local biodiversity and its role in enhancing the conservation area’s character.
• An independent consultancy report commissioned by resident Nick Goff argued the protection order is unjustified given the tree’s disproportionate size in its confined space.
• Nine nearby residents have formally objected to the order and will await next week’s council meeting to see if the tree remains protected.