RESIDENTS in Horndon on the Hill have rallied to support borough councillors who have deferred a decision on chopping down one of the village's largest trees.

Thurrock Nub News reported last week on the decision by Thurrock planning councillors to challenge a recommendation by officers that the oak tree, in the grounds of Grices, a listed building in the heart of the village, be felled because its roots were causing subsidence affecting other nearby homes.

Councillors heard challenges against the recommendation from villagers at the meeting including resident Peter Woodard who said vital information that countered it was being withheld by officers.

A decision was deferred by councillors who said they needed to see the missing documentation – an engineering appraisal report.

After the meeting local resident Julian Vereker, said: "This is a cause of great concern for many people in the village – and beyond – who care about the preservation of ancient and beautiful trees that are vital to the heritage of our area.

"The fact that the tree has a preservation order and is also in an historic conservation area just adds to the importance of this issue. It would be a tragedy and a great blight on our local council should the tree be destroyed."

Mr Vereker said he believed the application may have been encouraged by an insurance company. He added: "The residents of Horndon and beyond are absolutely furious about this situation."

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.

Ward counclllor Barry Johnson, said: "The removal of this tree would substantially harm the character of this lovely conservation area and the surrounding area as it is very visible."