THURROCK Council has been warned it could face a £80,000 bill if it delays the felling of an ancient oak tree that alleged to have left a home in danger of collapse.

Last month, Thurrock Council's planning committee deferred a decision on whether to lift a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) on a 100-year-old Holm Oak in the grounds of Grices, a listed building in Saffron Gardens, Horndon on the Hill.

While the 60ft high tree, which is protected by a tree preservation order, has not affected Grices, it is said to have damaged the foundations of nearby 7 Saffron Close and the application was recommended for approval.

A structural engineer's report was referred to in council papers but had not been published, leaving residents and the committee in the dark over its contents and residents opposed the felling proposal.

The report has now been published and the committee will consider it once again next week, on Tuesday, 10 June.

It confirms substantial damage in the Saffron Close home which is in a perilous condition.

The report said: "Since our initial report, the structural damage to the property has escalated significantly, now reaching an extremely severe level. We have assessed the situation and have determined that the property is at imminent risk of collapsing, posing a threat to safety and structural integrity.

"Regrettably, to date, no decision has been reached on the TPO application. The prolonged period of consideration, now exceeding two and a half years, has contributed significantly to the exacerbation of the property's condition."

The report adds: "In light of the immediate risk, we are actively seeking advice from our underpinning suppliers to devise an appropriate engineering solution for stabilising the property. Recognising the urgency of the matter, particularly in anticipation of the upcoming growth cycle of the oak tree, we urge the council to expedite the decision-making process."

Engineers estimate remedial work on the building will cost £30,000 but further delays will mean underpinning is required at a cost of £180,000. The council is warned this would prompt legal action to recover the cost from the council.

The large tree, which is said to be "in good health" forms part of a group of Holm Oaks at the top of South Hill on the edge of the Horndon on the Hill conservation area.

At the previous planning meeting residents and ward councillor Barry Johnson expressed their opposition to the tree being felled.