Shock and disappointment as 'stunning' landmark Derbyshire tree cut down - after district council granted permission

The monumental Copper Beech Tree, which has been in Matlock Bath for generations, was cut down after Derbyshire Dales District Council granted permission to chop it down.

A Derbyshire County Council spokesman said they had been consulted on the plans and asked if the tree could be ‘pruned rather than felled’ ‘as it was a significant amenity in the local area.’

The tree was at a road side of the river between a fish and chips bar and a retail shop.

Resident Paul Thornley said: “I don't know the reason for cutting down the tree but everyone I've spoken to is shocked and disappointed.

"I never understand why they cut down what seems to be healthy trees. There could be a genuine reason, I just think it's a shame as it was a lovely old tree. Everyone who visited Matlock Bath must have looked at it, such a shame it's not there anymore."

Residents commented on Facebook naming the tree as ‘stunning’ and saying it shouldn’t be ‘sacrificed’.

Ella Mcmanus said: “I am heartbroken. There was so much represented by that tree! It was there long before the chip shop and the pavement. What an absolute travesty!”

Freda Hallsworth added: “Takes years for a tree to grow and minutes to cut it down. I hate to see trees being sacrificed to get a bit more room for people or because the falling leaves make a bit of mess.”

Andrew Grainger said: “They did the same at Belper River Gardens a few years ago, cut down numerous trees and bushes and tarmacked over the grass, still like going to the river gardens but not as nice.”

Mandy Moo added: “It was a lovely old tree. I remember when that row of shops and seating area wasn't there!”

Jonathan Shepherd said: “Having grown up in the village I loved that tree but I have thought its days were numbered as it got bigger, largely due to its proximity to the river wall, the roots were going to push the wall out, then you would lose the tree and have to rebuild the wall.”

Jason Hicking added: “Such a well-known attraction that has been visited and commented on by many folks over the years and no doubt drew business in for the chip shop and other local businesses. And yet with all the technology available nowadays the best option the council could find was the chainsaw! Absolutely gutted.”

A Derbyshire County Council spokesperson said that it would be preferable if the tree could be pruned rather than felled to manage the risk as it was a significant amenity in the local area.

They added: “While we had suggested pruning the tree may be a solution, our final recommendation to the council was that if the tree was in our ownership we would remove it as we could see it was damaging the wall significantly. We also advised that every effort should be made to protect the riverbank walls because of recent flooding in the Derbyshire Dales. We apologise for our initial error around the final advice given and any confusion this may have caused.”

Derbyshire Dales District Council spokesman said: “We issued consent following an application from the private landowner, taking into account the condition of the tree and the damage that was being caused to the river wall. Consent is conditional on planting a replacement tree (a Yoshino Cherry).”

An earlier version of this story stated that DDDC carried out the work. In fact, although the council authorised the felling, DDDC pointed out that the work was carried out by a third party.