A 100-FEET high ‘tree of heaven’ that towered over Abingdon for decades has been felled by the developers of The Old Gaol.

The Chinese tree, thought to have been growing for 50 years, was the fourth tree axed by Cranbourne Homes as part of the development — despite a pledge to “retain key trees” in its planning application.

Neighbour Sonia Lightfoot, who sold the land to the developer, said she only went ahead with the deal because of assurances that healthy trees on the site would not be felled.

But she said a cypress, a walnut and a cherry tree were all chopped down in April.

She added that the following month a Vale of White Horse District Council tree specialist inspected the ‘tree of heaven’ and said it would survive damage to its roots from contractors excavating an underground car park as part of the Old Gaol development.

Mrs Lightfoot claimed that Cranbourne Homes failed to protect the tree, and a month later she was told it was due to be destroyed. Last Thursday, the district council approved its felling, and it was chopped down on Monday.

Mrs Lightfoot said: “It was, without doubt, one of the finest trees in Abingdon.

“It could be seen from the bridge as you come into the town.

“Everyone looked over there and there it was: a beautiful tree.

“I understood that this site was supposed to be a green site, but I am totally disappointed. They have just done nothing that they said they would.

“If I had thought the tree would have been felled, I would not have parted with the land.”

She said that now the tree had been taken away, her privacy had gone.

She said: “It is supposed to be a greenfield site, but there is now hardly a tree left.”

The Vale council, which chose Cranbourne Homes as its developer for the site, said the tree had to be cut down because its roots were wrapped around concrete blocks and pipework that formed part of the Old Gaol’s foundations.

The council said a report by an arboricultural consultant commissioned by the developer showed the tree would deteriorate significantly and should be removed to prevent its collapse.

Council leader Tony de Vere said: “Unfortunately, the report makes it clear that this tree should be removed, as in its current weakened state it could pose a danger to neighbouring properties — and the remaining roots will need to be removed before construction can be carried out.

“We will ensure that at the appropriate time during the redevelopment of the Old Gaol site, the tree will be replaced on the site by another suitable, native species of tree.”

Ailanthus altissima, commonly known as ‘tree of heaven’, was first brought to Britain from its native China in 1751. Although beautiful, it is often considered an ecological threat because of its fast growth and prolific seeding.

Cranbourne Homes refused to comment.