PLANS to cut branches from a protected tree in Ascot have sparked a revolt from angry neighbours unhappy at the proposal.

Homeowners at a property on Furzefield (formerly Locks Ride) want to ‘crown-lift’ a birch tree up to 2.5 metres.

This means they want to remove the lowest branches of the tree.

READ MORE: Ascot mansion owner applies to chop down 18 trees

In this case, the applicant says doing this will “improve the usability of new garden space” at their property.

Although the plans may appear fairly innocuous to some, neighbours are not best pleased with the proposal.

Fourteen objections have been lodged by residents against the plan, which will now face planning committee scrutiny because of the strength of feeling towards the proposal.

Bracknell News:

One resident who objected wrote to Bracknell Forest Council said: “This veteran tree is identified as being a valuable visual amenity in the neighbourhood and most importantly is a critical habitat for wildlife in an immediate area that has been decimated of the natural habitats for many species such as bats, birds and insects.”

READ MORE: Trees being chopped down by Crown Estate at Swinley Forest

Another neighbour commented: “This tree is very much part of the fabric of the natural local area having survived here for decades and thus is in keeping with the local environment.

“Granting any actions on this tree will set an unnecessary precedent on other planned developments with this and other local villages.”

Bracknell News:

Previous plans to develop the site included a condition to retain the tree and protect it with fencing for the duration of construction.

As a result of a petition from local residents and councillor Moira Gaw, who were concerned for the safety of the tree during the building phase, the birch was granted a tree preservation order to protect it from damage and destruction.

However, in August of this year, the developer made two applications: one to crown-lift the birch, the other to chop it down completely.

READ MORE: Trees felled in Ascot and people are not happy about it

The application to fell the tree has already been refused by Bracknell Forest Council, but the plan to prune the tree will be considered by councillors at a meeting next week.

Applicants look set to get their way as a planning officer has recommended the plans are approved after a tree expert said the request was ‘not unreasonable’.

But the council’s planning team has attached a condition to the consent which states only the three lowest branches should be removed at their stem union.

Councillors will have the final say on any decision when they meet on Thursday, December 17.