A housebuilder has apologised after failing to alert residents to the cutting down of a mature tree thought to be up to 50 years old.

The large sycamore tree, which stood near one of the entrances to the new-build Rose Cottage estate, off Strait Lane in Stainton, Middlesbrough, was felled late last year by a maintenance company contracted by Taylor Wimpey.

Taylor Wimpey said it was sorry residents were not given prior notice and the tree had been at risk of falling down due to decay.

Read more: Elderly woman suffers serious injuries after hit and run by 'E-bike'

Councillor David Coupe, who represents Stainton and Thornton on Middlesbrough Council, said the tree had been subject to a preservation order and while the proper process was followed with permission being granted by the local authority, he too had not been informed.

He said: “I am disappointed that such a prominent tree has been removed with no consultation with myself or any of the residents.

“To chop the tree down without warning caused great dismay to residents and myself as a lifelong resident of the village.”

The Northern Echo: Councillor David Coupe with the stump Councillor David Coupe with the stump (Image: Gavin Engelbrecht)

Cllr Coupe said a report was submitted which declared some of the upper reaches of the tree rotten and potentially dangerous, and a council officer subsequently gave the go ahead for the work.

He added: “It could have been inspected by the council itself and someone should have come along and made sure.

“Residents have said there was nothing wrong with it, some are quite angry about it, and I’d like to know why it had to completely come down.

“This tree and others like it have been part of Stainton for many years.”

Taylor Wimpey confirmed a contractor responsible for the management of open space on the Rose Cottage development had sought the necessary permission, since a tree preservation order was in place.

It has now been agreed with the council that a horse chestnut tree will be planted, by way of a replacement, in a suitable location to allow it plenty of space to grow.

A spokeswoman said: “Following approval from Middlesbrough Council, a decaying sycamore tree at our Rose Cottage development was removed as a safety measure.

“We are sorry that residents were not given prior notice of the tree’s removal. 

“A replacement tree will be planted during the next planting season.”

Middlesbrough Council said in a statement: “The correct procedures were followed in relation to this application, and consultation or further notification is not required in such cases.”

Cllr Coupe  said he had a broader concern about trees in the town being cut down “willy nilly”, particularly to make way for new developments.

Residents in Linthorpe protested last year when a number of trees were chopped down to make way for a new Lidl supermarket on the site of an old art college in Green Lane.

Read next:

The retailer said it carried out due diligence and none of the trees removed were subject to any preservation order.

Cllr Coupe said: “Trees are a vital part of the area and offer a home to wildlife as well helping with our drive to net zero.

“The Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston has been encouraging the planting of more trees in Middlesbrough, which has my full support.”