Woman’s plea to remove protected tree over severe allergy claims rejected by council

A woman asserting she suffers a severe allergic reaction to a tree situated in her garden has been informed by a local authority that she cannot remove it. Rachna Anderson, a resident of Easton, near Norwich, Norfolk, stated she has developed a painful allergy to a Scots pine tree, which has resulted in excruciating burning, redness, and swelling on her face. The 41-year-old sought to fell the pine, but the tree is legally safeguarded, and she was advised it was “unlikely” South Norfolk Council would grant permission for its removal. She said: “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.” Following medical testing and treatments over the past two years, physicians have not been able to identify any other allergies that might be the cause. This particular tree species, characterized by needle-like foliage, is recognized as a potential allergen for certain individuals. Mrs. Anderson has now formally lodged an official planning application with the council seeking its felling. However, the substantial pine is protected from being cut down by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO). The physician associate for the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust relocated to the property on Dereham Road with her husband and daughter in 2022 and reported experiencing “unusual symptoms” after residing there for a few months. She said: “I am forced to sit in front of fans, enduring freezing cold to alleviate the burning sensation on my face. My face often feels like it is on fire, turns bright red and becomes unbearably swollen.” “These symptoms are so severe that I feel trapped in my home, embarrassed to go out and riddled with anxiety. I have no social life and I can’t make eye contact with people.” Mrs. Anderson stated she has undergone two anaphylactic emergency interventions and required courses of steroids. A representative from South Norfolk Council commented: “We understand that Mrs Anderson believes that she is allergic to the tree and that this is being investigated.” “The council has agreed to hold off making a decision until Mrs Anderson has the results of those investigations.” Nevertheless, Mrs. Anderson indicated that should her application be denied, she would consider emigrating to Australia. “I can’t live with this. I want my life back,” she said. For updates on Norfolk news, consult BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for material on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external links is available.