Felled Enfield oak ‘had 50-year life expectancy’
An ancient oak felled in a north London park by Toby Carvery’s owners was classified last year as a “fine specimen” with a life expectancy of at least 50 years, planning documents show.
Pub chain Mitchells & Butlers said on Tuesday it was responsible for chopping down the 500-year-old tree “to protect our employees and guests as well as the wider general public”.
An Enfield Council planning document from March 2024 found the pedunculate oak, on the edge of Whitewebbs Park, had high ecological and landscape value.
The council said it had reported the felling as criminal damage to the Met Police, which is understood to have closed its inquiry, deeming it a civil matter.
The report, based on a November 2023 inspection, also stated the tree was in “moderate good” condition and recommended a “light reduction of the upper crown on [the] north side”.
Source: BBC | Language: English