Large tree to be felled in Abergavenny following concerns

A large horse chestnut tree which it is feared could be blown over in heavy winds is to be felled.

A branch of the tree crashed down across  Devauden Road in St Arvans, Chepstow in early spring this year.

A nearby resident had requested Monmouthshire council’s tree officer inspect the tree – and they found it was in “terminal decline”.

The council has now agreed it can be felled after the owner of Cedar House, Bernard Howell, had pleaded with it to make a decision.

Mr Howell told the council he feared the tree could fall and emailed it to say he is “very concerned” the tree “is now dangerous and with the predicted up coming change in the weather we would ask all haste be made in reaching a decision.”

He said he feared for his property and the risk to the highway.

The homeowner acknowledged there had been uncertainty over ownership of the part of the garden where the tree stands but had made the application to fell it once it was established it was his land.

Bettina Broaday-Mann, the council’s tree officer, approved the application and said she was satisfied, given the tree’s condition, felling it is appropriate.

The work will have to be carried out in line with safety standards and within the next two years.