Cedar Tree at 92-94 St Leonards Road, Windsor

20 September: The landmark cedar tree has undergone a sympathetic reduction of its crown in order to allow it the opportunity to live out its natural life. The tree provoked differences of opinion after representatives for the two properties nearest to the cedar claimed it was responsible for subsidence and cracks in their houses and that a potential solution was to remove it.

Ward councillors and a number of Windsor residents voiced their desire to keep the tree. A counter-argument was the potentially high cost to council taxpayers. The council made the decision to reduce the crown following a thorough investigation into the various options and their costs. It will also cover the cost of repairs to the houses, estimated at £50,000.

Representatives of the properties affected supported the decision providing there is no further damage to the properties caused by the tree. If damage to the properties continues despite the reduction then the council will need to re-appraise the situation.

Cllr Christine Bateson, Cabinet Member for Planning and Partnerships, said: 'We are delighted that we are able to offer this popular Windsor landmark a reprieve so that it can be enjoyed for the foreseeable future - while at the same time offering a way forward to the problems experienced by the householders. There was no obvious, natural solution but rather a decision based on weighing up the varied technical and financial pros and cons along with the wishes of residents. Like many others, I hope this course of action is successful.'

23 March: The Council is arranging to meet as soon as possible with the representatives of the property owner's insurance claims to consider how to protect the homes. We will be considering in detail the various options bearing in mind their impact on the property owner's claims and any potential for same in the future. The Council's intention to retain the tree until all options have been fully explored remains the same.

11 March: No work on St Leonard's Road cedar tree currently planned, following meeting between councillors and officers this afternoon.

9 March: The Royal Borough is notifying residents to let them know that we have been advised, by our loss adjusters - Ufton Associates, to remove the Cedar tree on St Leonard's Road. The soil and tree root analysis provided by the insurers/loss adjusters for 92 and 94 St Leonard's Road sufficiently implicates the tree in law as the cause of the subsidence to those properties. There is substantial cracking consistent with the movement of the front of the building. We are currently assessing the situation to see if there is any way of saving the tree without incurring significant costs to the public purse. Underpinning of the houses could be necessary if the tree remains, which would result in a substantial claim against the Council.

The solicitors acting for the adjacent property have stated that if the tree is not to be removed then they will arrange to issue injunctive proceedings against the Council. Ufton Associates' advice is that under established case law it is likely a court will find in favour of the claimants, and the Council will have to meet the outlay as well as the additional legal costs including success fees of the other side/s.

As soon as an outcome is reached we will post an updated notice on the tree, advise those who have contacted us by email and letter and advise adjacent residents. We are doing all we can to try and save the tree in what are very difficult circumstances and seeking further independent advice. For updates will appear here in due course.

Contact Details

If you would like further information please send an email to: trees@rbwm.gov.uk

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