Tree cut down after solar panel interference (From This Is Local London)

Sutton tree cut down after solar panel interference

8:40am Friday 4th May 2012 in Where I Live By James Pepper

A music producer whose songs have appeared in Hollywood films asked for a £5,000 tree outside his house to be cut down because it was interfering with his solar panels.

Producer and recording artist Steve McIntosh, whose songs have appeared on Sex and the City and Scary Movie 3, listed the reason as among those for removing the 15m tree from the path outside his house on Westmead Road, Sutton.

Sutton Council agreed to remove the tree because Mr McIntosh's son was allergic to the tree's pollen, which was causing him to come out in a rash once a year.

Mr McIntosh also said the 20-year-old tree was causing a problem for electric gates outside the £375,000 house.

All three ward councillors for Sutton Council, which has a tree as its logo, approved the tree's removal.

Mr McIntosh said the tree was doing more damage than good.

He said: "We all love trees but this was a menace to people in the area. It was a nuisance."

A replacement tree has been planted at his expense.

Colin Hall, executive member for environment and climate change on Sutton Council, said: "We took the decision to replace this tree with a different species last year as some of the pollen and debris it produces was causing medical problems for a nearby resident, who has offered to pay for and look after a replacement tree.

"We’re proud of being one of the greenest boroughs in London and don’t take the decision to cut down trees lightly, but people’s health has to take priority and this request was backed up by a statement from the resident’s doctor."

"We run a scheme for residents who would like to help look after a tree in their local area, so if any of your readers know of a spot which could be brightened up by a street tree or would like to take care of an existing tree, then we’d love to hear from them."

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