Maldon Town Council (MTC) has voted to recommend approval of an application to reduce a vast London plane tree on 3 Cromwell Hill.

Members of the town council's planning committee unanimously reached the decision yesterday (Monday, 9 August), on the basis that the tree is considered to be responsible for root-induced clay shrinkage and subsidence damage to Cromwell House on 3 Cromwell Hill.

Councillor Flo Shaughnessy said: "I think it's commendable that they have put in for a reduction, rather than removing it."

The proposal involves a reduction of the crown of the tree by 3 metres to its most recent pruning points. If approved, this would be repeated every other year.

The councillors considered whether the tree should be reduced further, due to the size to which it has already grown and the maintenance required, but eventually agreed on the three metre reduction.

Councillor Tony Shrimpton said: "If you go any further, you'll have a really ugly stump. I'm happy with the three metres."

The town council voted to recommend approval of the application, subject to the advice of Maldon District Council's tree officer.

Maldon District Council will make the final decision.