School that wanted to cut down tree to protect child with nut allergy refused permission
A school in Lichfield has been told it cannot remove a tree which it wants to cut down to protect a child with a nut allergy.
Lichfield Cathedral School, a fee-paying school which charges up to £5,000 per term, had asked the council to overturn a tree preservation order (TPO) on a Walnut Tree on its grounds.
The school argued that nuts dropping from the tree posed a significant risk to one of its pupils, who is severely allergic to nuts, as well as nine others who attend the school.
Jonathan Mayne, director of operations at Lichfield Cathedral School told planners at Lichfield District Council the school has a duty of care over its pupils.
He said: “There is no doubt this walnut tree is a beautiful, mature tree.
“Lichfield Cathedral School is certainly a friend of the natural environment. We’ve facilitated the planting of hundreds of trees – both ourselves and in partnership with others, at both of our sites.
“The removal of this walnut tree is about child safety. I would like to make clear there are no development plans for the site where the tree is currently located.
“A major part of my job is to ensure that any risks at the school are managed so as to be as low as reasonably practical.
“The tree in question overhangs one of our playgrounds that has a tarmac surface, and using that playground is a 10-year-old child with a very severe nut allergy.
