Robbie Williams, the renowned Take That star, has emerged victorious in a heated dispute with his neighbors concerning a diseased maple tree situated outside his opulent £17 million London mansion. This property, located near the residence of Led Zeppelin legend Jimmy Page, has been the focal point of prior disagreements between the two celebrities. The contested Norway maple tree, afflicted with Honey Fungus, a perilous root disease, posed a significant risk of collapse according to Williams.
Williams submitted an application to the local council seeking permission to fell the ailing tree. This action prompted a wave of opposition from neighbors who bombarded the council with letters expressing their disapproval. Their objections centered on the perceived inadequacy of Williams’ application, citing a lack of supporting evidence to justify the tree’s removal. Critics pointed to the absence of a qualified arborist’s report detailing the tree’s condition and exploring alternative solutions. They also disparaged the inclusion of what they deemed “Polaroid snaps” as insufficient documentation for such a consequential decision, particularly considering the tree’s location within a conservation area and the Grade II* listed status of Williams’ property.
Despite the neighborhood outcry, the council granted Williams permission to remove the tree. Their decision hinged on an assessment of the tree’s health, concluding that the “over mature” specimen was in “poor overall health”. This outcome marks another chapter in the ongoing saga between Williams and Page, who have clashed over previous renovation plans at Williams’ mansion, including the construction of an underground swimming pool and gym. Page’s concerns centered on the potential damage to priceless frescoes in his own Grade I listed home, attributed to vibrations caused by the construction work.
Williams’ application to fell the maple tree included an assessment from Michael Goatly of Putney Tree Specialists, who confirmed the tree’s ongoing infection with Honey Fungus. This pervasive pest is particularly prevalent in northern areas of London, including Hampstead and Highgate. Goatly’s report underscored the imminent danger of the tree’s collapse, aligning with Williams’ apprehension. Neighbors continued to criticize the application, reiterating their concerns about the lack of supporting documentation and questioning the expertise of the chosen tree surgeon. They argued that a comprehensive arborist’s report was essential for informed decision-making by both stakeholders and the planning authority.
The crux of the neighbors’ argument revolved around the perceived lack of due process in reaching the decision to fell the tree. They questioned how a mature tree, contributing to shade, visual amenity, and environmental benefits, could be removed based on what they considered insufficient evidence. Their frustration stemmed from the belief that the decision had been made through delegated authority without adequate public consultation and a thorough assessment of the tree’s health. Another neighbor echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for a written report accompanying any proposed felling, outlining potential alternative actions before resorting to removal.
The council’s decision was rooted in the professional assessment of Amanda Reid, Director of Planning and Place at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Reid highlighted the tree’s visible decline over recent years, evidenced by a patchier canopy, abnormally small leaves, and two large cavities on the main stem resulting from old pruning wounds. A significant piece of missing bark at the base of the stem, coupled with the lack of wound wood formation, further underscored the tree’s compromised health. Reid confirmed the presence of white mycelium fungus and degraded wood beneath the bark, attributing the tree’s decline to Honey Fungus. This diagnosis, given the absence of chemical control for the disease, sealed the fate of the maple tree. However, the council stipulated that a replacement tree must be planted before the end of the planting season in March and that any noisy felling activities should be avoided on weekends. This conclusion brought an end to the immediate dispute, but the underlying tensions between Williams and his neighbors, particularly Jimmy Page, may persist.
