Two of Haslemere’s oldest and most protected trees face the axe but for public safety or to clear the way for a controversial development? Local tree wardens and organisations opposed to the development have raised concerns over the proposed removal, questioning the true motives behind the felling of these iconic trees.

The trees, designated T1 and T2, are classified as “veteran” and “ancient”, with T1 estimated to be more than 100 years old and T2 around 150 years old. Both are protected by Tree Protection Orders and stand within the proposed route for an access road to the Scotland Park Phase 2 housing development.

Surrey Highways has flagged both trees as a danger, citing the presence of meripilus fungal disease, which they claim compromises the trees’ stability and presents a risk to road users.

"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.

But critics, including the Haslemere South Residents Association (HSRA) and local tree wardens, have questioned these claims, pointing to conflicting findings.

Earlier this year, when the trees were granted protected status, no disease was identified during an inspection by tree officers. Local tree wardens who recently inspected the trees reported no signs of instability or disease and highlighted that the trees had withstood recent storms unscathed.

The HSRA has offered to fund an independent assessment using sonar technology to provide a definitive evaluation of the trees’ condition, but Surrey Highways has declined this offer.

"We wrote to the Haslemere South Residents Association on October 30 to explain why the trees need to be felled. A site meeting is also taking place on Friday this week. We have also liaised with Waverley Borough Council, and they have accepted our findings," the department stated.

The felling is scheduled for December 16, prompting accusations that the safety concerns might be a pretext to facilitate the development. Both trees stand directly in the proposed path of the access road, and their removal would simplify the construction process.

The HSRA argues that this timeline is suspiciously aligned with development priorities, especially as the Planning Inquiry for the Scotland Park development is due to be re-run in April 2025. Local residents have called for a halt to the felling until verifiable evidence is presented.

"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."

Surrey Highways added: "We intend to leave the lower sections of the trunk in situ in an effort to retain habitat features. We will also review options to plant new trees at the same location.”