A protected conifer tree is set to be removed amid concerns it could bring down a stone boundary wall bordering a busy highway.
The western red cedar, measuring approximately 25 metres in height, is situated alongside the masonry structure, which is constructed from irregular stone blocks. The root system is forcing the wall outward, creating a hazard for motorists travelling along the A4043 at Snatchwood View, Abersychan in the Pontypool area.
Mountain laurel and ash specimens will additionally need to be taken out, with several already emerging from within the 2.5 metre high roadside support barrier that is slated to be cut down to half its current height.
Torfaen Borough Council has determined that eliminating these specimens, which includes four covered by preservation orders, is the sole means of reducing and securing the retaining wall.
The authority’s planning division has sanctioned the removal of the protected trees, with the council set to carry out the operation despite the land belonging to private individuals.
A document lodged alongside the application noted that due to the significance of preventing highway disruption and the likelihood of extended negotiations with four distinct homeowners and their legal representatives, permission has been granted for the council to carry out the essential works and accompanying tree removal without prejudice, subject to later arrangement with the property owners.
The planning department’s assessment, which endorsed the scheme, acknowledged that the western red cedar, originating from North America, possesses significant visual importance as the most elevated and striking tree on this vegetation bank, yet stated this had to be weighed against public safety.
The assessment observed that the specimens have caused critical structural collapse of the wall bordering the A4043, which faces potential failure and would present a serious danger to public safety.
It was also recognised that the limited area means there is inadequate space to establish replacement specimens, which could potentially worsen damage to the wall and necessitate additional upkeep in future.
The council’s forestry officer raised no concerns about the proposals.