Neighbour row erupts as council refuses to allow woman to chop down tree in her garden despite her allergies

A Norwich woman is locked in a battle with South Norfolk council over a protected tree in her garden that she has claimed is the cause of her severe allergic reactions.

Rachna Anderson, 41, said that the Scots pine tree at her Easton property has triggered excruciating burning sensations as well as facial swelling.

Despite providing medical records and photographic evidence, Anderson has been unable to secure permission to remove the tree, which is protected by a Tree Preservation Order.

The physician associate has said that the situation has left her “scared to come home”.

Anderson’s symptoms have become increasingly severe, as she has now required two anaphylactic emergency interventions and multiple courses of steroids.

“I am forced to sit in front of fans, enduring the freezing cold to alleviate the burning sensation on my face,” she said.

“My face often feels like it is on fire, turns bright red and becomes unbearably swollen,” she added, explaining that she was “embarrassed to go out” and was “riddled with anxiety”.

Anderson moved into the property with her husband and young daughter in 2022 and noticed symptoms after a mere few months.

LATEST NEWS:

• Neighbour row erupts as homeowner fumes over ‘awful’ DIY fence – before she is charged half the cost
• Pensioner becomes embroiled in legal battle with neighbour over washing lines in communal garden
• Neighbour row erupts as homeowner slams ‘rude’ passers-by posing outside his home for pictures

Over the past two years, she has undergone extensive medical testing and treatments, but doctors have been unable to identify any other allergies.

Her suspicions about the tree were strengthened when she discovered her symptoms disappeared within hours of leaving home during trips to different cities and countries.

Scots pine trees are known to cause reactions in some people.

A South Norfolk council spokesman said: “We understand that Mrs Anderson believes that she is allergic to the tree and that this is being investigated.”

The council has agreed to postpone their decision until Anderson provided results from ongoing medical investigations.

Recently, Anderson has gained support from South Norfolk MP Ben Goldsborough, who offered to advocate for her case before the council’s planning committee.

While the planning application to remove the Scots pine remains under consideration, Anderson has expressed deep frustration with the council’s handling of her case.

“This tree is causing severe health issues that have drastically impacted my life, yet my repeated requests to the council for its removal have been disregarded,” she said.

The Andersons are reluctant to leave their home after investing more than £30,000 in the property, including an improved driveway and solar panels.

However, Anderson has indicated she may consider emigrating to Australia if her application is unsuccessful.

“I can’t live with this. I want my life back,” she said.