A BEECH tree will not be removed, despite its owner's fears about its danger. 

David Faulkner wanted to fell the tree at Chilcombe St Giles, Northbrook Avenue, in St Giles Hill, Winchester, after one of its branches fell off. 

Despite this, Winchester City Council's planning committee decided that the tree preservation order should be kept. 

At the meeting Mr Faulkner said: “The tree overhangs several properties. If it was to topple, it would hit my house and my neighbour's house. 

“Last year one of the limbs fell. If it had fallen 12 hours earlier, I would not have survived. We were fortunate that it caused no significant injuries. I'm open to discussing replacements for it.”

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The tree officers' report said: “A section 211 notice was received by the council notifying an intention to fell this mature beech tree on health and safety grounds due to previous limb failure.

“The WCC tree officer carried out a site visit to assess the application and to assess whether the tree was of sufficient amenity value and condition to merit protection. When assessing this tree, it was considered that it met the criteria for a tree preservation order.”

Cllr Russell Gordon-Smith said: “It's a real feature and is clearly visible from lots of directions. I can't see a sufficient reason to take it down.”

The committee on Wednesday April 17  unanimously agreed to keep the tree protection order.