WINCHESTER planners have been "blackmailed" into approving the felling of a protected tree in order to avoid up to £90,000 in compensation payouts, a meeting heard.

An 18m-tall oak in Colden Common which damaged a resident’s conservatory is set to be cut down despite warnings of its importance to wildlife and rural character.

One councillor warned the decision would “open the floodgates for trees to go down all over the district”.

The Hesslewoods, of Scotts Close, say the tree has caused tens of thousands of pounds in damage to their foundations. Winchester City Council would be liable for damages because they rejected a previous felling application last year, Thursday’s planning committee heard.

Councillors approved the plans in order to avoid a compensation claim which independent advisors said would be “in the region” of £90,000. “I don’t think there’d be any other justification,” tree officer Thomas Gregory, who recommended felling, told Thursday’s meeting.

Cllr Jane Rutter said approval would set a precedent for other landowners who could threaten compensation claims if their trees were protected.

“The tree was there for long time before the conservatory,” she said.

“I really think it does open the floodgates for trees to go down all over the district and I think that will be criminal. I think we’re being blackmailed, and I don’t like it.”

Colden Common Parish Council strongly objected to the plans. Cllr Pam Glasspool said the tree’s foundations were weakened by the conservatory, which has “doubled in size” from plans approved in 2001.

She told the meeting: “This oak tree forms part of the important rural street scene of the old Vears Lane-Main Road junction and provides a leafy green screen from modern development.

“The natural ecology of this remaining oak tree and the wildlife corridor it is such a vital part of includes many protected species of English wildlife – including bats, birds, bees and butterflies – that are dependent on this native oak for shelter and safe passage.”

Mr Gregory estimated the semi-mature oak to be around 80 years old.