Tilehurst neighbours anger over dangerous protected trees

Tracy Darvall, Simon and Laura Maskell, and Mark Megnauth have all complained that branches and pine cones are falling down from the trees that present a danger to children and their properties.

The neighbours have submitted multiple planning applications to chop the trees down, or prune them so they present less of a risk.

However, the trees are protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) placed on them by West Berkshire Council.

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So far all of the neighbours’ applications have been rejected and any appeals they have submitted have been dismissed.

Most recently, an application to cut off overhanging branches was rejected by the council’s planning department and dismissed on appeal in January.

Tracy said: “West Berks are just being so stubborn. They think if they just let one tree go down, that’s it.

“We all love the trees, but they’re just dangerous.”

Tracy was even considering selling her house, but decided against it.

Mr and Maskell’s shed got crushed in August 2020 and was replaced with a new one.

In an incident in August 2020, a branch from one of the protected trees in Long Lane, Tilehurst fell, crushing the Maskell family's shed. Credit: Simon Maskell

The neighbours have also complained about their gardens and drives being bombarded with droppings from pigeons which live in the trees.

Mr and Maskell have resorted to installing spikes on their children’s climbing frame to fend off the birds.

Mrs Maskell said: “Every time the kids go out to play we have to wipe it off the slide, the swings, my youngest daughter is one, we’ve only just started letting her out in the garden, because the first thing she does is go out and eat stuff.

“So the first thing she did the first time she went out there was climb on the frame and eat pigeon poo.

Simon and Laura Maskell and their neighbour Tracy Darvell are angry at West Berkshire Council for not granting them permission to cut down the dangerous trees in Tilehurst. Credit: James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporting Service

“Now she’s stopped eating everything, so now we can let her out there.”

Tracy echoed concerns when having her 15th month old grandson round.

The trees that overshadow their homes is in the garden of Mark Megnauth, 80, of Cecil Aldin Drive.

The three remaining trees at Mark Megnauth's home in Cecil Aldin Drive, Tilehurst. Credit: James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Mr Megnauth successfully applied to remove six trees, but has been unable to get approval for the removal of the three remaining ones.

He said: “I’m fed up, that’s how they’ve got me.

“When the storm comes, I cannot sleep. And I have to pay a lot of money to get the branches cut and my gutters cleared.”

Mark Megnauth 80, Cecil Aldin Drive, Tilehurst, who wants the three remaining trees removed. Credit: James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporting Service

The neighbours have suggested that the existing monterey pines be replaced with scotch pines or other native tree species.

The existing trees were brought from America and formed part of the Melvilles Nurseries until the area was turned over for housing development.

Tracy argued TPOs should be reviewed when new housing developments are considered.

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Replying to the neighbour complaints, a member of West Berkshire Council’s countryside team said: “Tree Preservation Orders help to protect and preserve trees for the enjoyment of local people, and the environment and visual benefits they bring to communities.

“We are committed to protecting these trees whilst also working with residents when local issues arise.

We have attended these properties several times in recent years and on those occasions have not had concerns about the trees.

“Property owners can apply to carry out work on the trees at any time but we would suggest they seek the advice of a professional arborist beforehand to ensure that what they propose is proportionate and doesn’t put at risk the long-term health of the trees.”

The council has suggested that the neighbours submit new applications to selectively reduce branches that overhang into seating areas, patios and paths.

It has also pointed out that deadwood can be removed at any time without formal permission from the council.