RESIDENTS in Oakley have expressed concerns about the future of an oak tree thought to be over 100-years-old due to a nearby development.

The oak tree stands in the entrance to the driveway of 52 Pardown, in Oakley, and has a tree protection plan in place. 

The tree is thought to be well over 100-years-old, with one Pardown resident recalling seeing the tree when first moving to the road in the 1940s. 

Developers have applied to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council to vary some of the conditions in the protection plan to allow for building work to go ahead and for services to be installed. 

The change to the protection plan follows an associated planning application, which has already been granted to build two properties on land at 52 Pardown. 

The developers are calling for a condition for protective measures to be altered. 

The reason for this has been revealed in a response to the application from tree officer Jan Polnik which states the specific condition "could not be implemented and discharged as the land/tree owner would not grant the applicant access to the tree". 

Due to this developers have said instead of a protective barrier around the tree and its roots, specific site-management of construction vehicles and plant and machinery would be in place. 

Mr Polnik's report states: "The principle is to order building materials etc. to be delivered in as small a vehicle as possible to be able to drive underneath the canopy of [the tree] and the banksman would check that it could pass underneath the tree without impact or harm to the structure of the tree."

The tree officer's report also highlights that the developer proposes to utilise the services of specialist contractors to "determine the viability of the optimal trenchless technique methodology for the installation of services (without any risk to the tree roots) by horizontal-drilling". 

Mr Polnik's response said that should this "not be favourable", the other options would be hand-dug trenches - either broken or continuous. Mr Polnik said he recommends the application for approval.  

The method of how services will be connected and the protective measures was only available in Mr Polnik's response published December 18, and not in documents from the developers available on the current application, which has left many residents concerned about the safety of the tree. 

As the Gazette published this article, on Thursday, December 21, a tree survey submitted by the developers and containing the protection information was uploaded to the application on the borough council's website. 

In an objection, owner of the tree Alan De Marco, said: "Any digging in the root area will be detrimental to the health of this iconic old tree which is 70+ years of age. It is a landmark in Pardown and is an outstanding specimen appreciated by all.

"This tree is on our land and therefore is our property. No pruning of any roots or any branches can be carried out without our permission. For the avoidance of doubt; we do not/will not give our permission." 

While another resident said: "The tree is a long-established, well-known and much-loved landmark in Pardown. For many decades it has provided a wonderful haven for many birds, mammals, butterflies and other creatures in the area, withstanding a number of powerful storms over the years thanks to its long-established root system which is protected by the well-compacted tarmac surface of Pardown and the driveway to No 52." 

Other residents also expressed concern about the impact on wildlife. 

Oakley Parish Council has raised concerns about the proposed changes to the protection plan.

The application has garnered 27 objections, all made before Mr Polnik's response and the developers tree survey was published this month. 

In protest at the application, residents in the village have adorned the tree, which has been described as 'a haven for wildlife' with colourful ribbons and messages of support. 

A spokesperson for Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council said: "The status of the oak tree at Pardown in Oakley has not been altered and the tree continues to be protected by a tree preservation order.  

"Planning approval for two houses with access, parking and landscaping on land at 52 Pardown was granted on 23 January 2023. This permission contained a condition that the oak tree on the access road should have protective fencing placed round it, to protect it during the construction of the houses.

"The council received an application to vary this condition in July 2023, which has not yet been determined. As this is a live application the council cannot comment further." 

To view the application, go to planning.basingstoke.gov.uk/online-applications and search 23/01837/ROC. 

  • An earlier version of this story was published and updated to include information from the tree officer's report and comments from residents on the application.