The owner of a tree that dominates the front garden of a property in Benwick has been told he is not allowed to cut it down as it provides an attractive public amenity.

Cambs Times: Leaning Tree at Benwick.Leaning Tree at Benwick. (Image: Archant)

The sycamore forks into three stems and has a lean which a tree specialist said did not make it unstable or dangerous.

Christopher Harlock applied to Fenland District Council for permission to cut down the tree outside the High Street house but he was refused when they said it was a “reasonably attractive specimen” that needed protecting by a preservation order.

Mr Harlock appealed the decision but for the second time he has been turned down.

A report said: “There will no doubt be some seasonal inconvenience resulting from the shedding of leaves and minor twig debris from the sycamore blocking the gutters and rain water downpipes making the path slippery when wet.”

The report continued: “Unfortunately this is an unavoidable consequence of owning a property with a tree in the garden and whilst it may require some additional maintenance it’s not enough to justify the removal of a healthy protected specimen.”

The report added that the tree had unsettled some paving slabs that lead up the path to the front door causing a tripping hazard but added it would be relatively straightforward to lift and re-lay the affected sections.

Mick Boddy, arboricultural officer for the secretary of state, said: “Insufficient justification has been demonstrated to warrant the removal of the sycamore tree and I therefore dismiss the appeal.”