A TREE in Tadley is the subject of community concern this week, after plans to destroy it were revealed.

The oak tree, which is located on New Road, Tadley,Tadley is planned for felling by the borough council, as it is causing “subsisdence damage” to nearby homes.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough council have put their proposal to the people of Tadley for consultation.

Tadley Town Council wrote on Facebook: “Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is asking residents for their views before removing an oak tree from New Road in Tadley. The Council has been placed on notice that the tree, growing on the verge of New Road opposite the entrance to Pinehurst, is causing subsidence damage to nearby homes. If the tree is removed, the council plans to plant two native hornbeam trees as a replacement.”

Many residents have expressed their desire to save the tree, and a petition set up on Tuesday already has more than 300 signatures.

The petition reads: “Tadley has a wealth of trees, and is a characteristic which makes Tadley such a great place to live. Losing such a magnificent tree would have detrimental effects to biodiversity, animal habitat and appearance, as this tree stands alone and is a local landmark and heritage tree.

“Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council acknowledge that trees need to be a part of local planning, and so surely they should be protecting the trees we have rather than destroying them.

"A house owner has raised concerns that the tree is causing subsidence to his property, but we feel there has not been enough public consultation as to what might be causing the problem.

"We urge the council to do more research, make their findings public and save the new road oak for future generations. The loss of this tree would take years to recoup; the natural environment needs protection, not destruction.”