I’m constantly in excruciating pain thanks to tree in my garden but ‘jobsworth’ council REFUSE to let me chop it down
The mum has vowed to move to Australia if the tree stays up
A MUM is constantly in excruciating pain thanks to a tree in her garden – but the “jobsworth” council refuse to let her chop it down.
Rachna Anderson, 41, said she is severely allergic to the Scots pine in front of her home in Norwich.
She claimed the pine leaves her with burning, redness, swelling to the face and eye irritation.
The mum-of-one said she is now “scared to come home” and has vowed to move to Australia if the tree stays up.
Scots pines can trigger allergic reactions in some people – but the one in Rachna’s garden is covered by a preservation order.
She must apply to the council for permission to cut it down, which officials say is unlikely to be granted.
Rachna moved into the home with her husband and young daughter in 2022.
She began to notice symptoms just a few months after settling in to the property.
The mum said her symptoms have got worse since then and she has needed two anaphylactic jabs.
Rachna said her symptoms disappear within hours when she is away from home and she doesn’t have any other known allergies.
At home she sits in front of fans in to soothe the burning sensation all over her face, which often turns red and swells up “unbearably”
She told the : “These symptoms are so severe that I feel trapped in my home, embarrassed to go out and riddled with anxiety.
“I have no social life and I can’t make eye contact with people. When I am able to go on holiday I am scared to come home.
“Despite my persistent efforts, the council has not been supportive and I feel abandoned. I can’t live with this. I want my life back.”
Rachna’s application for permission to cut down the tree is currently being considered by the council.
She believes the council should reimburse her rent or offer her a new place to live if the tree stays up.
But she is reluctant to leave the home after splashing out more than £30,000 on a new driveway and solar panels.
South Norfolk Council said: “The council has visited the site and had discussions with Mrs Anderson.
“We understand that Mrs Anderson believes that she is allergic to the tree and that this is being investigated.
“The council has agreed to hold off making a decision until Mrs Anderson has the results of those investigations.”
Tree trouble: know your rights
HERE the Arboricultural Association's official guidance on overhanging trees and encroaching roots:
It is generally best to discuss your concerns with the tree owner
beforehand.
But under established ‘common law’, you should be able to prune branches and roots that grow over your boundary, with or without the owner’s consent.
You also have a legal duty, however, to take ‘reasonable care’ whilst undertaking the works.
You may be liable if you damage your neighbour’s tree, or cause it to become unstable.
It is therefore unwise to undertake works without first consulting an arboriculturist.
The parts cut off from the tree remain the property of the tree owner, so they should be offered back.
If overhanging trees or encroaching roots have caused damage to
your property then you should contact your building insurer for advice.
Your insurer will usually contact the owner of the trees asking them to
abate the nuisance and will arrange for any repairs to be undertaken.
If damage has not yet occurred, but you believe there is a foreseeable
risk that the trees will cause damage in the future, then you should
discuss your concerns with the owner.
Write to them asking them to have the trees inspected by an arboriculturist.
You should keep copies of any letters sent as they prove that you have highlighted your concerns should damage occur in the future.
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