Investigating
Subject: Urgent Complaint – Lime Tree Causing Subsidence and Ongoing Damage at 5 Peverels Way NN5 5DD Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to formally raise a complaint regarding the large lime tree situated outside my property which is causing serious and ongoing damage to my property 5 Peverels Way. I have engaged a structural engineer, who has cited the tree as the likely cause of subsidence affecting my property. The damage includes visible cracks and movement in the structure of my home. In addition to structural damage, I am incurring further financial loss and inconvenience due to the tree, including: Vehicle damage and cleaning costs: Falling sap, debris, and bird droppings regularly damage the paintwork of my vehicles, requiring repeated cleaning at my expense, which I estimate to cost approximately £30 per month. Excessive garden waste: My brown bin is continually filled with leaves and debris from the tree, leaving me to pay for disposal of waste originating from council-owned land, amounting to roughly £65 per year. Excessive waste from the tree filling front & rear guttering with clearing works costing £85 twice a year Structural repair risk: The potential cost of repairing subsidence-related damage could run into thousands of pounds if the tree is not addressed promptly. Personal distress: The ongoing damage and costs are causing me significant stress and anxiety. Given the professional opinion of my structural engineer and the continuing financial and emotional burden, I formally request that the council urgently: Carries out a full arboreal inspection of the tree and surrounding area. Provides a clear plan of action, including timescales for mitigation or removal if necessary. Addresses the financial and practical implications of the damage caused, including reimbursement for costs already incurred. I must emphasise that the council has a duty of care in respect of trees on public land. Failure to take appropriate action may result in the council being held legally liable for ongoing damage, financial losses, and associated distress caused by the tree. I therefore request a written response within 14 days outlining the council’s intended resolution and confirmation of the steps it will take to prevent further damage. Yours faithfully, Natalie Smith
Sent to West Northamptonshire Council less than a minute later. FixMyStreet ref: 8156167.
This is a complaint regarding the large lime tree outside my property at 5 Peverels Way, which my structural engineer cites as the likely cause of subsidence and structural damage, including visible cracks and movement. The tree is also causing ongoing financial loss: approx. £30/month for vehicle cleaning due to sap/debris, £65/year for excess garden waste disposal, and £170/year for gutter clearance. Potential structural repairs could cost thousands. The ongoing issues are also causing significant stress and anxiety. I request that the council urgently: (1) conduct a full arboreal inspection, (2) provide a clear action plan with timescales, including mitigation or removal if necessary, and (3) address financial/practical implications, including reimbursement of costs. The council has a duty of care for trees on public land; failure to act may result in legal liability. Please provide a written response within 14 days confirming the resolution steps.
—Natalie Smith
Updates
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Thank you for reporting a fault. Officers will now investigate the concerns and this may take up to 5 working days. If you believe that your concerns are urgent then please phone us.
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Investigation: Completed (Defect Found) - Thank you for your enquiry. This matter would need to go through your home insurance and a full structural survey would need to take place to determine the exact cause of any structural damage to the property
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