Chop down this monster!
Neighbours at war over tree blocking view of cathedral
IT’S a glorious view across the River Wear to Durham Cathedral, which towers high above the city.
But some of the homeowners in South Street say the imposing scene from the windows of their elegant town houses has been ruined by a tree.
In fact, the 100-year- old cypress has caused something of a ruckus in the priestly precincts of the 11th Century cathedral, with some residents wanting it felled and others demanding its protection.
The magnificent Lawson Cypress, which could live for hundreds more years, stands on land owned by the cathedral authorities. It has been named ‘Elsee’ and more than 100 people have signed an online petition to save it. It stands in allotment gardens on land rented by campaign organiser Beth Bell, 50, and her husband.
She said: ‘A few years ago we got a few neighbours approach us to remove it as it was obstructing their view of Durham Cathedral.
‘We then took down several conifers and trimmed back other trees for them and we thought that was the end of the matter.’
Among the worst-affected residents is Ronan Freeley, 60. The tree stands higher than his £600,000 three- storey terraced home on the sloping cobbled street where house prices average £500,000. His view of the cathedral is totally obscured. Last month he applied to Durham County Council to have it cut down. Yesterday Mr Freeley refused to comment on the controversy.
Another neighbour, who wouldn’t give his name, was dismissive of the evergreen tree which he described as an ‘ eyesore.’ He added: ‘It’s a tree that isn’t native to the UK, it’s basically just a weed. It’s created quite a rift between all the neighbours.’
It emerged that Durham Cathedral’s management were approached by Mr Freeley and agreed to back his application because of worries about damage the roots could cause.
Head of property John Holmes said: ‘We understand the concerns that inevitably come when applications to fell mature trees are made, which is regrettable, but we feel that on balance felling is the most appropriate option.’
But Mrs Bell said: ‘ I’ve tried my very best to save this wonder of God’s creation that we’re lucky enough to have in Durham.’ Commenting on the moans from neighbours about Elsee, she wrote on her campaign website: ‘How many people in the world would love to be able to look at a tree out their window instead of the view they have?
‘They bought their homes with full knowledge of her.
‘She (Elsee) wasn’t hiding, she can’t! And if you take her down, there are a whole load of other trees behind her. So where does it all end? With the removal of every tree that blocks someone’s view of the Cathedral? We would have no trees left.’
Yesterday Elsee looked likely to be spared the chop. A planning officer has recommended a Tree Preservation Order and a final decision is expected in the coming days.