A mature copper beech tree was alleged to be causing subsidence damage to Grade II listed Repton Manor has been saved from being felled thanks to an agreement from Ashford Borough Council to fund the installation of a root barrier.
The tree, estimated to be between 120-150 years old lies just nine metres from Repton Manor, which is over 400 years old and, according to the Historic England listing entry, has sections dating from the 15th, 16th 17th, 18th and 19th Centuries.
The copper beech was implicated in a tree root subsidence claim from the manor’s insurers, and, following further investigations, an application had been made to fell the tree to prevent further damage. However, a significant number of objections against this were received, along with a petition that had the support of over 370 signatories.
When the application to fell the beech and replant with up to three Scots pine trees was heard by Planning Committee on 16 February 2022 the committee voted to defer any decision subject to the investigation of alternative action.
To help protect the historic manor it has now been agreed to install a root barrier. It will also be necessary to reduce the crown of the tree by up to 2 metres in order to mitigate the effects of the root loss and to ensure the tree remains healthy. Further maintenance of the soft grass verge beneath the tree canopy will also be required to provide the best conditions for the tree to thrive.
