Insurance firm backtracks on plan to fell six trees

An insurance firm has said it no longer plans to remove six mature trees that it blames for subsidence damage to a bungalow.

In December, Fareham Borough Council in Hampshire agreed to remove tree preservation orders (TPOs) from oaks and a lime between Heath Lawns and Southmead Road, despite residents' protests.

Direct Line said it would now build a root barrier, which "was not previously considered feasible".

Campaigner Dean Scopes, who lobbied MP Suella Braverman over the issue, said he was pleased that "sense had prevailed".

He added: "The protection of our trees goes on, but we must celebrate these small wins when we get them."

Previously, the council said cracks had appeared in two properties because of the ground drying out, probably due to tree roots.

It said it might be liable for the cost of future property damage totalling more than £225,000 if it refused to remove its own TPOs.

One tree was felled in March, but six remain standing.

Ms Braverman previously said insurance firms in general were "taking advantage" of councils' liability.

The Fareham and Waterlooville MP and former Home Secretary said: "Insurance companies have pressured local authorities into felling perfectly healthy trees with Tree Preservation Orders at the first point of contact."

In a letter to Mr Scopes, Direct Line said it had originally thought that a tree root barrier would have to extend across "all neighbouring gardens", which would not be feasible.

However, it said it had developed a revised scheme that put the barrier "solely around the rear and sides of our customer's home".

Direct Line said it always considered the amenity value of trees and alternatives to felling such as pruning, although it said tree removal was cheaper and kept premiums down.

Previously, the Association of British Insurers said felling was not its default solution to protect homes.

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