An English oak tree that has stood on a village green for 265 years may have to be chopped down.

The tree is at the north-east corner of Addington Green, in Addington, near West Malling, opposite the Angel Inn.

The parish council has been concerned about the condition of the tree for several years, and recently commissioned Bartletts, an expert arboriculturist firm, to closely examine its condition.

They found problems both with the crown of the tree, where damaged wood and cracking could be seen and at the base, where the tree had been attacked by fungus and there was extensive bark and sapwood decay.

The firm said that if left unattended there was a possibility of all or part of the tree failing and coming down on the adjacent road.

The risk could be lessened in the short term, by seriously cutting back its canopy, but this would be both visually unappealing and would put greater stress on the weakened stem.

The company suggested removing the tree to ground level and grinding down the stump as the only certain way to eliminate risk.

It suggested that any replacement tree should be planted more centrally on the green, to allow proper root and bench spread.

The oak, planted when George II was on the throne, is not subject to a tree preservation order but is within the Addington Conservation Area.

As a result, the parish council has had to advise Tonbridge and Malling council of its intention to fell the tree, and there is a six-week period during which the public can make representations.

Click here to see the application.

Reference number 23/01571 refers.