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London's Beloved 'Tree of the Year' Threatened by Council Housing Plans
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One of London 'S "Trees of the Year" might be removed to accommodate council housing.
The 70-year-old Pagoda Tree stands at the heart of Mitcham's Canons heritage site located in Merton, South London.
It was crowned the borough’s Tree of the Year in 2019, with the region witnessing almost £5 million worth of investment. National Lottery investment in recent years.
But the council owned land has now been named as one of four sites where 93 new homes are set to be built.
The Royal Horticultural Society’s report states that the tree is facing an existential threat.
Despite initial proposals put forth in 2019 referring to the tree as 'a central element of the project and an important preserved natural feature,' this has not been followed through.
The council stated: “If the tree were kept, it would probably experience considerable unavoidable effects both above and below ground. When all these impacts are considered collectively, they provide a strong justification for removing and replacing the tree.”
The area around the canopy must also be cleared to accommodate the new residences, leading to 'a significant reduction in the tree’s contribution to the local scenery' and 'impairing its capacity to undergo photosynthesis and generate energy.'
The Mitcham Cricket Green Community and Heritage Group stated: "This tree is an extraordinary example and is part of the extensive array of ancient trees throughout The Canons' grounds."
'This arboretum has been shaped through meticulous choices and plantings within the area across numerous decades.'
'The location where the nursery once stood is now attracting considerable interest as part of a major housing project led by Merton Council’s development arm, Merantun Development.'
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The Merton Council has been reached out to for their input.
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