A large tree in a Buckinghamshire town will no longer be cut down after a specialist survey dispelled council concern that it posed a ‘risk to public safety’.

Buckinghamshire Council confirmed on August 29 that a 300-year-old London Plane Tree near Pound Lane in Marlow which “accidentally” caught on fire on August 17, would be cut down due to the risk it poses to residents after it was found to be in a state of “managed decline”.

However, in a statement issued today (October 10), a spokesperson for the local authority announced that the felling operation would no longer go ahead and that a temporary road closure on Pound Lane had been lifted after a new survey found that the tree had only “limited degradation”.

The specialist survey, commissioned for comparison with another that was completed in 2016, revealed that the historic tree did not require felling or any other major reductions aside from the removal of deadwood, which will also be carried out on other London Plane Trees in Higginson Park this autumn.

A small cordon will remain around the base of the tree to prevent access to the hollow in the main stem – which a specialist consultant has recommended should be filled with non-combustible material to limit future fire risk.

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Steven Broadbent, Cabinet Member for Transport at Buckinghamshire Council said: “Following the initial survey carried out on the tree in Pound Lane, a further, more detailed survey has been carried out which indicates that contrary to earlier conclusions, damage to the tree has been less severe than first thought.

“We are pleased to report that as a result of these findings, the tree will no longer need to be felled or require major pruning, although some deadwood will still need to be removed. Dates for this will be scheduled as soon as possible. This work will require the isolation of the electricity supply, however, there is no ongoing need for the road or car park to be closed for safety reasons.

“Going forward, the council will continue with programmed and annual inspections to monitor the health and safety of the tree. A small cordon will remain around the base of the tree to prevent access to the hollow in the main stem.

“We are grateful to residents for their patience and understanding throughout this period. Road closures were needed to ensure public safety while we waited for the results of this further survey. We know the decision to save this much-loved tree will be welcomed by the whole community.”