One of Haslemere’s most iconic, protected trees was felled this week amidst a storm of local opposition and unresolved questions.

The “ancient” common beech, estimated to be 150 years old, was at the heart of a fierce debate between Surrey Highways, who deemed it a safety risk, and the Haslemere South Residents Association (HSRA), who fought tirelessly to save it.

After repeated requests HSRA finally secured a hard-won site visit with Surrey Highways on Friday 15 – but it was too late for any stay of execution for the tree as SCC Highways had already posted their road closure and tree felling signs.

An independent arborist funded by HSRA confirmed meripilus fungus but said a full root investigation was needed to determine if felling was necessary. HSRA offered to help fund this test, but Surrey Highways refused, confirming the tree would be removed on Monday 16.

"We fully understand concerns raised as these are extremely impressive trees, but unfortunately, following an inspection, our experienced arboriculturists have concluded that they present a danger to the highway and are likely to collapse. Therefore, it is our legal duty to do what we reasonably can to ensure the safety of the public," said a spokesperson for Surrey Highways.

Local campaigners have expressed heartbreak and frustration over the outcome.

"The community would support the trees' removal if they are genuinely diseased and pose a safety risk," said Nikki Barton, a former Independent Councillor and HSRA member. "But without clear proof, it seems the felling is being driven by the needs of the development rather than genuine safety concerns. It was so frustrating that SCC Highways refused to meet with residents until it was too late –the road closure order had been made and there was no willingness to reconsider our appeals to delay for a proper tree health assessment.”

The HSRA fears the decision was tied more to the ease of constructing an access road for the Scotland Park Phase 2 housing development than safety concerns. This tree stood directly in its proposed path.

The removal of this strategic ancient tree has revealed the high stakes at play in the forthcoming Planning Inquiry for the Scotland Park development, set to be re-run in April 2025. HSRA fears the precedent set by this decision could embolden future challenges to protected landscapes.

A HSRA spokesperson said: “We believe this is a total travesty. An opportunist developer, hoping for planning permission now that housing targets have been increased, will be expecting the community to have run out of energy to protect this beautiful Haslemere countryside that sits entirely within Surrey Hills AONB.”

Surrey Highways has stated its commitment to ecological considerations, pledging to leave parts of the tree trunks as habitat features and explore the possibility of planting new trees in the same area. However, for many, this offers little consolation. The absence of the towering giant is already being felt in the community, and questions linger over whether all avenues were truly exhausted before its final fall.