1. I am afraid I cannot confirm the species of the tree. Please see attached document from consultant Arboricultural Consultancy - he confirms that the tree is a Prunus variety. 2. The tree has been growing in my garden for at least 30 years (as it was planted by the previous occupants of the property). We have always had it regularly pruned - partly do avoid it causing damage to the overhead cable wires above the tree. As a result, it caused me no anxiety. 3. In 2018, I made a house insurance claim, due to subsidence caused by the giant leylandii trees planted on my neighbour's boundary. This claim dragged on until 2022. There were numerous errors made, much upset and distress caused by both me and my terminally ill husband. After I was able to return to the house, the insurance company were forced by the financial ombudsman to pay compensation. I mention this because it has a direct input to my request to remove the tree. 5. I consulted the tree surgeon that I regularly use to prune the tree. They stated that it would probably be OK (as it has been so up to now), but that there is no guarantee that it won't cause future damage. Because it is planted very close to the property. They referred me to the Arboricultural Consultancy. 6. After a viewing and report from the Arboricultural Consultancy, they confirmed that there is no guarantee that the tree won't cause problems in the future - the only safe thing is to remove the tree. 7. My neighbours in Clarage House (next door) have been consulted and confirmed to me that they are happy for me to remove the tree, given the circumstances. (They also confirm they think the tree is very close to their property.) 8. I ask for permission to remove the tree completely. The possibility of future structural problems with the house is very worrying. It would be stressful enough to undergo another house insurance claim at some time in the future. But to consider having to cope with a situation whereby I have no insurance cover and am faced with an unknown amount of damage and repair costs, well frankly it terrifies me. 9. Please see attached photos to give you scale of front garden. 10 Please see attached copy of Arboricultural Consultancy report. 11 I offer to plant a replacement tree at an agreed place within the village. Perhaps in the millenium wood?

The Laurels, High Street, Kingston Blount, OX39 4SJ