An ancient oak tree in Stanhope is to be felled – because it stands in the way of building work.

The 16-metre high mature tree, located at the Farrow Court Eldercare Centre in Stanhope Road, could be removed within a month.

The fate of the tree (pictured below) was sealed when Ashford Borough Council's planning committee agreed it should face the chop.

Stanhope ward councillor Brendan Chilton said: “We put up a gallant fight but in the end we lost."

Construction work on the site's new sheltered accommodation scheme started last month.

The developers had initially planned to retain the tree and designed the scheme around it, but when it was discovered that would cost an additional £50,000 permission was sought to remove it.

A replacement tree will now be planted elsewhere on the site.

Although no date has been set for the tree’s removal it is hoped that items such as sculptures and benches can be made out of it for residents.

Full story in this week's Kentish Express.