COUNCILLORS are being recommended to approve proposals to chop down a tree in Newton-le-Willows which is suffering from ‘honey fungus’.

An application proposing the removal of the cherry tree in front of the Rams Head Hotel site, on Earle Street, will come before the planning committee at its meeting on Tuesday.

A report to the committee says the site forms part of the adopted footway adjacent to the Rams Head Hotel, on the corner of Earle Street and Market Street – within the Earlestown Conservation Area.

What the council's report states

The report says: “In this case, the tree is diseased, and it is considered that the loss of this tree will not cause significant harm to the character and appearance of the Conservation Area.

“In addition, the roots of the tree are lifting the paving flags around the base of the trunk, which may cause a trip hazard for pedestrians.

“Despite the local planning authority not being able to impose conditions on this decision such as replacement planting, the case officer has liaised with the applicant, and they have confirmed a replacement tree will be planted.

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“The applicant will contact the council trees and woodlands officer to identify a suitable location and the appropriate tree species to be planted.

“The tree is suffering from honey fungus and the loss of this tree will not cause significant harm to the character and appearance of the Earlestown Conservation Area.”

The committee is being recommended to "not impose a tree preservation order" and therefore permit the tree felling works to take place.

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