A grandmother is standing firm in her decision not to sell a portion of her property to developers embarking on a £45 million road project, aiming to safeguard a 500-year-old oak tree. Jean Harris, a 79-year-old retired school secretary and piano teacher, is concerned that the ancient oak, believed to have roots dating back to the era of Henry VIII, will be eradicated to make way for the proposed Southern Link Road near Hereford.
Residing in Allensmore, Hereford since 2003, Jean, a mother of two, has chosen to protect the oak tree and the flourishing wildlife that surrounds it, including bats and owls frequently spotted near her home. She emphasized the significance of the area for wildlife conservation, voicing her fears that the road construction would have severe repercussions on the ecosystem.
The Southern Link Road project, spanning two miles, was initially sanctioned in 2015 to redirect the A49 around Hereford with the aim of alleviating traffic congestion in the city center. However, Jean argues that the construction of a high-speed road in close proximity to her residence is no longer a viable solution, citing the adverse impact it would have on her quality of life due to incessant road noise and vibrations.
Expressing concerns about the adverse effects on her property’s marketability, Jean highlighted the sentimental value of her home, purchased 23 years ago for £175,000 and now valued at £575,000. Following the demise of her husband, Michael, Jean’s resolve to remain in her cherished residence has only grown stronger. Despite the land earmarked for the road scheme being appraised at over £58,000, Jean has firmly refused to engage in negotiations with Herefordshire Council.
While the council reported that most affected landowners have either agreed to terms or are close to reaching an agreement, it confirmed resorting to compulsory acquisition where negotiations have stalled. Emphasizing the importance of securing the required land for the infrastructure project, the council assured a commitment to pursuing voluntary agreements before resorting to compulsory measures.