Robbie Williams, the singer and actor, has been granted permission to remove a Norway Maple tree from his £17 million London property, despite objections from neighbors. The Kensington and Chelsea council sided with Williams, citing honey fungus as the cause of the tree's decline and the need for removal.
The application, submitted in June 2023, sparked immediate controversy. Anonymous neighbors expressed concerns about the lack of detailed justification for felling the tree, highlighting only photographic evidence of damage. The council's decision, however, concluded that the honey fungus had reached a point where the tree's removal was essential for safety.
This isn't the first time Williams has faced opposition from residents over alterations to his property. Previous disputes involved plans for an underground swimming pool and gym, which, after a protracted legal battle, were ultimately approved. Moreover, the felling of another tree in 2023 also drew significant criticism from neighbors.
While the council's ruling cited the severity of the tree's condition, the prior objections from neighbors underscore ongoing tensions in the upscale neighborhood. These instances highlight the frequent conflicts that can arise between property owners and local communities, particularly when substantial changes to established landscapes are involved.
