Outrage as Britain’s ‘tallest’ tree is felled by council in ‘act of violence’

FURIOUS neighbors have contacted their council after a famous magnolia tree was suddenly felled.

Located in the Lilliput suburb of Poole, the tree was believed to be the tallest in the UK and attracted tourists from all over the UK.

The tree was planted more than five decades ago by the former owner of the houseCredit: BNPS

The tree is believed to be the tallest in Britain and during its prime it attracted tourists from all over the countryCredit: BNPS

A local resident claimed that cutting down the tree was an 'act of violence' — A local resident claimed that cutting down the tree was an ‘act of violence’Credit: BNPS

The tree was planted in the backyard of a home in the area more than 50 years ago by a former owner.

It was claimed that the 18 meter tall tree, which attracted visitors to the area when it bloomed, would fall and damage all houses in its path.

A number of locals have now shared their anger at the felling of the famous tree, with one saying it was “heartbreaking” to see it disappear.

IT manager Brian Ellarby, 43, from Poole, said something should have been done to save the tree.

He said: “Sensible pruning could certainly have made the magnolia tree safer, but simply cutting it down is simply an act of violence as far as I’m concerned.

“It’s a tragedy. We have lived here for years and thought it was a beautiful tree. We are devastated that it is gone.”

Kelly New, 50, from Poole, walking her dog Cosmos through the cemetery opposite, is shocked that such a mature tree could have been toppled.

A tree in your garden: what are your rights?

If a tree is in the garden of a plot owned by a resident, he/she has the right to demand its destruction if there is a clear risk to his/her safety and/or the safety of his/her neighbors.

This allows them, if they find that the health is sufficiently poor, to request its removal and can do this by arranging an inspection by a tree surgeon.

Once an inspection has taken place – and a report shows that the tree could damage the house or surrounding houses – the council can approve its destruction.

She said: “I love trees and there is nothing like seeing a magnolia tree in full bloom – it awakens your senses just by seeing the beautiful flowers.

“I have tried growing a magnolia and know how difficult it can be, so it is heartbreaking to see such a beautifully mature tree like this disappear.”

Matthew Haynes, 49, a self-employed businessman who lives a few meters from the tree, said he was shocked by the magnolia’s demise.

He said: “To be honest it’s always been there and it’s like losing an old friend now that he’s gone.

Many sleepless nights,’ says homeowner after neighbor declares war on them over plan to cut down their own trees

“I would like to know who said it was dangerous because anyone can say something like that, but I hope the authorities will independently assess the claim before allowing such a beautiful tree to be destroyed.

“One man’s dangerous tree is another man’s tree that needs pruning. It was such a sight to behold when it came into bloom in the spring – now there is nothing.”

The owners of the detached house commissioned a tree surgeon to inspect it, who discovered its state of disrepair.

A Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole council official agreed it should come down, saying it could fall on one of the three properties if blown up in a weakened state.

Graham Whitehall, from the Dorset Lake community group, said: “It is a difficult issue. I’m a big tree lover, but I think this was the right tree in the wrong place.

“We had heard rumblings about it being no longer there and then we got confirmation that the owners had been given permission to cut it down.

“It’s a Marmite moment: some people will say it’s the owner’s tree, they can do whatever they want, and others will say it’s a public amenity and should be protected.

“It was beautiful, but ultimately the owner of that property is responsible for that tree and if he or she thinks it’s a hazard and has done everything correctly, there’s nothing you can do about it.”

The owner who planted the tree died in the 1980s.

At the time, a neighbor was so concerned that the new owner of the property might want to get rid of the magnolia. They have successfully applied to have a tree protection order made for it.

The council previously said the magnolia “adds a significant visual amenity” to the area and is a “fine example of an unusual tree” and therefore has “rarity value”.

But not everyone was a fan.

Council records showed that some neighbors had previously complained that the tree had grown too large for the property and was causing a lot of mess – with the fallen petals reportedly filling five wheelie bins a year.

The Sun has contacted Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council for comment.