ForHousing dispute over overgrown tree on council property

Danni Coote, who lives on Bailey Avenue, is experiencing ongoing problems with a large, overgrown tree in her neighbour’s garden.

She said: “I can’t park my car on my drive because the roots of the tree come under my driveway and make it bumpy, plus, the branches scratch my car at the back.

"There are dangers when it is windy – a huge branch came off during Storm Eunice.

“I have had a gardener out to look at the trees last year who told me a specialist needs to take them down as they are forest trees.

"I’m reluctant to let my children or dog out for any length of time due to what may happen as parts fly off and my summer house is ruined by the growth.”

After contacting ForHousing about the concern, an inspection was carried out by them in December last year, which concluded that the tree was not dangerous.

Since the inspection, Danni has struggled to receive any further responses or help from landlord ForHousing.

Henry Terefenko, Managing Director (HMC) at ForHousing said: “We are aware of Miss Coote’s concerns about a tree from her neighbour’s garden and have visited her home on a number of occasions to discuss this matter with her.

“We carried out an inspection of the tree and its roots in December last year and found that they were not dangerous. 

 “It is the responsibility of tenants to maintain trees in their gardens. However, the safety of tenants is an absolute priority and whilst we are confident in the findings of our survey, we will continue to try and contact Miss Coote’s neighbour to see if any support is needed to maintain the tree. We will continue to keep Miss Coote updated.”

Danni's fence

Miss Cootes has also contacted Justin Madders, the MP for Ellesmere Port, to raise her concerns further.

The MP has been liaising with ForHousing for a number of months about the issue.

He said: “I wrote to ForHousing on the 10 January highlighting the issues Ms Coote had advised me of in regard to damage to her driveway and that the neighbour who is responsible for the tree was not engaging.

“The general policy ForHousing apply (and indeed the majority of social and private landlords) is that trees are the tenant’s responsibility and so I had asked if discretion could be considered.

“ForHousing responded on 19 January to say a full assessment of the tree would take place. I requested an update on 24 March after Ms Coote confirmed that the outcome of an assessment had not been communicated to her. I requested a further update on 25 May from ForHousing and I am still waiting to hear back. 

“The issue is often that professional work is required which tenants cannot afford and the costs are something that Housing Associations also appear to struggle with. While I do think there needs to be a change in approach, I recognise that Housing Associations are working under tight budgets and so we do need attention at Central Government level.”

ForHousing has confirmed that they will assist Miss Coote with any further assistance she requires, however, they are yet to take any action on the tree on the neighbour’s property.