Finefair Ltd knows about all the challenges that come with managing homes. We appreciate how they can differ depending on the location and the type of property. Luckily, we can adapt to give clients access to first rate services. In fact, we offer the finest estate management in Lewisham and can also handle smaller portfolios too.
Most people love when their home is surrounded by greenery. It is often one of the main factors they consider when choosing where to live. Green streets with trees can be exceptionally popular for the charm, character, and health benefits. You see this a lot in London.
However, there are some situations where locals face the prospect of losing the trees. It can happen for a number of reasons. The most common tends to be because they have become unsafe or are causing issues for local properties. In these situations the council may look at removal.
Senlac Road tree
There is a high profile case like this underway at the moment in Lewisham. On Senlac Road there is one mature tree remaining. It has been growing in the area for over 70 years. However, in 2011 there was an investigation to see if it was causing subsidence in a nearby property. Over the last decade plus there has been work to address the issue and try to save both the tree and the property.
Sadly the council made a decision in June 2021 to fell the tree. They claim that other methods to stop the subsidence have not been successful.
In response locals have spent more than a year trying to save the tree. There is a petition with over 46,000 signatures to show support for saving it. Neighbours and activists were on hand at the start of December to occupy the tree and stop its removal.
What is the impact?
The council has spoken in support of felling the tree. They claim their main duty is to the wellbeing of properties in the area. It is one thing they do as part of estate management in Lewisham. Insurers have given them professional advice to remove the tree. To address the loss they plan on planting 17 new trees on Senlac Road and nearby streets.
Locals are arguing that this is not enough. A mature tree represents a huge store of carbon and it can remove a good amount of CO2 from the air in the area. Smaller trees don’t remove as much and can take many years before the area will see the benefit. Plus, the estimation is that you need to plant 150 new trees for each mature tree that is lost.
The campaigners are also saying that underpinning has been a solution to subsidence for other properties in the area. They feel it would be an option here that would allow the tree to remain. However, the issue is often that it is cheaper for an insurer to ask the council to fell a tree than it is to underpin a property.
It will be interesting to see whether locals are successful in saving the Senlac Road tree. It would be a shame to lose an important piece of mature greenery, especially with air quality and health being such a big focus at the moment.
Do you need estate management in Lewisham?
At Finefair Ltd we provide services to help landlords and investors with various assets. We know that estates can be some of the hardest properties to manage. Luckily, we have solutions that can deliver great value. They can include regular inspections to maintain homes. Plus, you can also get guaranteed rent.
So, whether you are looking for a convenient service for all your assets or want to save money and protect your rental income, we can help. Start working with us today and get the best estate management in Lewisham. You get our support and access to great schemes with the local council.
