Leylandii trees often prove a controversial topic - and now Maldon district councillors will vote on whether to save a huge specimen that officers believe "plays a significant role within the street scene".

The Tree Preservation Order (TPO) on the conifer in the front garden of a house it appears to dwarf called The Pines, in Franklin Road, North Fambridge, was served by Maldon District Council (MDC) officers last July (2020) after the authority received an enquiry form from someone wanting to have the tree felled (the person is not named).

However, when officers visited the site they came to a different conclusion as to its future.

In a report to MDC's North West Area Planning Committee officers say: "Due to its location to the front of the dwelling, the size of the tree and the lack of many other substantial trees in the immediate area it is considered that the tree plays a significant role within the street scene."

But an objection has been made to the TPO and under law, councillors on the committee have to decide whether or not the order - and so the tree - should stand.

Objections to the TPO include that the tree:

-is an "eyesore" in poor condition

-blocks light and obscures the view of cars pulling out from drives

-that there is a telephone power line running through the tree that appears to be damaged

-that a neighbouring lawn is covered in debris and dying as a result and that a health hazard is caused by pigeon droppings over lawns, drives and cars.

In response, council officers argue that the leylandii appears to be in reasonable condition, that there has been no evidence submitted of it blocking light, obscuring the view of drivers or of the telephone line being damaged - and that the debris and bird droppings are not considered reasons enough to fell it.

The issue will be decided at a meeting of the planning committee currently scheduled for next Wednesday (13 January).

The objector will then have up to six weeks to consider whether to take the matter to the High Court.