Petition to save Witham elm tree almost at 700 signatures

The plan would see a new A12 slip road being built along with the hundreds of homes, but a tree continues to be part of the debate.

The aim is to bring the homes to land north of Woodend Farm in Hatfield Road, Witham.

The application has been in the works for more than two years with the first iteration submitted in October 2019.

However, upon being green-lit, there has been a debate regarding the future of an elm tree near the entrance to Witham at Lynfields.

The tree in question has particular love due to it being a part of the town for decades, even surviving Dutch Elm disease.

The tree could be knocked down due to housing plans

Now, a petition to save it has almost 700 signatures.

Leading the charge is Braintree Councillor and Green Party member James Abbott.

He said: “The petition is going very well, and I am really grateful for all the supports, we are hoping to get to 1000.”

“When I first started in politics in 1980s, this would have had a little bit more of a minority interest, but it is clear people care.

People want to protect wildlife, habitats, and trees, campaigns like this always gets good traction, which proves that things have changed.”

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Following the petition, there was then a planning condition added to the consent for the 400 homes, which was signed off last week.

It states that a report must be drawn up as to whether the tree can be moved.

James said whilst he’s aware it is not saved yet; it is a step forward.

He said: “It is good that it has been added.

“I don’t dispute it would be challenging to remove this tree, but if it can be done it has to be.

“I am worried that they have said if it cannot be moved it will be cut down, but at least the planning condition is there.

“We have to just keep battling away.”

To sign the petition, visit change.org and search for Witham elm.