The owner of an important Winchester tree has been refused an application to fell it, despite safety fears. 

Stuart Dorward applied to fell the holm oak, which has had a tree protection order (TPO) on it since 1992.

Mr Dorward, of Cheriton Road, Fulflood, told Winchester City Council's planning committee, that he feared it could do serious damage.

The committee heard that it was impacting on his mental health as it is "a stressful tree to own", one councillor said.

The council's planning officer recommended the application for refusal. In the planning report, it said: “The tree forms an integral part of the street scene and makes a significant contribution to the amenity value of the area. The proposed removal of this tree would be significantly detrimental to the amenity value of the area and will negatively affect the street scene.”

READ MORE: Manor Parks: Bloor Homes plans for South Winchester Golf Course

Three public supporting comments were submitted with one objection from the City of Winchester Trust. The trust said: "An application to fell a mature tree covered by a TPO should be supported by an arboricultural report about its condition. Inconvenience is not a valid reason to fell a tree that contributes to the wider landscape."

Mr Dorward said: “It has grown twice its height in the 25 years we have lived there. We are concerned about the potential impact if the tree came down in a gale.”

Cllr Chris Westwood, who represents the St Paul ward, spoke in favour of felling the tree. He said: “When a TPO was put on it in 1992, it had more value, but 31 years later it's a big tree in a small garden. It's far too large for its current setting. It dominates the surrounding gardens. 

“I disagree with the officer's recommendation. It's a stressful tree to own and impacts the owner's mental health. The applicant should be able to replace it with a native tree appropriate for the garden.”

SEE ALSO: School of Arts students celebrate at graduation ceremony

The meeting heard that it could be replaced with a birch or whitebeam.

However, the committee felt it would not be justified to fell. Cllr Frank Pearson said: “This is one of the most extraordinary applications I have seen for a long time. It's well away from any building it might damage. I have 26 trees in my garden. I 100 per cent agree with the officer. I can't see any reason why this should be felled.”

Cllr Brian Laming said: “I have a lot of sympathy with the applicant. However, this is a species which supports a large number of wildlife.”

The committee unanimously refused the application.