Tensions are brewing in Berkshire as residents push back against plans to cut down a 700-year-old oak tree used to spy on King Charles I's army during the Civil War.
Plans have been submitted to Reading Borough Council to fell ‘King’s Spy Oak’ in Caversham, Berkshire, so that a three-bed house can be built.
The tree, which has a Tree Preservation Order on it, was reportedly used by Parliamentary forces during the Civil War to set up an ambush for the King’s army.
The 8m high Pedunculate oak is designated by the Woodland Trust’s ancient tree inventory as an ancient tree of national special interest. The planning application has received over 220,000 comments so far.
‘I strongly object to the cutting down of the ancient oak tree. Ancient oaks support hundreds of wildlfe species, far more than any other other, even much younger oaks.It has historical and cultural significance and must be saved,’ said one commenter.
A council spokesperson said: 'The Planning Authority has received a Planning Application to erect a detached dwelling within the side/rear garden of a semi-detached house within the Caversham Park Village housing estate in Caversham. The garden includes a veteran Oak tree, protected by a Tree Preservation Order which the applicant proposes would be removed and replaced with planting and trees. The tree features on page 49 of Reading Borough Council’s Tree Strategy published in 2021.
'The Planning Application is under consideration and is due for a decision by 8 June 2023.'
