Source link : https://london-news.net/controversy-erupts-over-felling-of-500-year-old-oak-believed-to-be-healthy-amid-claims-of-safety-hazards/
A historic oak that was cut down in a park in north London by the owners of Toby Carvery was designated last year as a “fine specimen” with an anticipated life span of at least 50 years, according to planning documents.
Mitchells & Butlers, the pub chain, announced on Tuesday that it took responsibility for the removal of the 500-year-old tree “to ensure the safety of our staff, guests, and the wider public.”
A planning document from Enfield Council dated March 2024 identified the pedunculate oak, situated at the boundary of Whitewebbs Park, as having substantial ecological and aesthetic significance.
The council noted that it had reported the tree’s removal as an act of criminal damage to the Metropolitan Police, which has since closed its investigation, determining it to be a civil matter.
The report, which stemmed from an inspection conducted in November 2023, indicated that the tree was in “moderate good” condition and recommended a “gentle reduction of the upper crown on the northern side.”
Initially, a spokesperson for Mitchells & Butlers indicated that the decision to fell the oak was made after being informed that the tree was dead.
A few hours later, the company issued an official statement clarifying that it had acted on advice from contractors, who warned that “the split and dead wood represented a significant health and safety concern.”
This statement was later retracted in another update, yet the company maintained it had taken…
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Publish date : 2025-04-16 14:04:00
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