RESIDENTS are “heartbroken” that a rare tree in Belsize Park could be chopped down by a housing association.

A black poplar tree in a shared garden in Belsize Grove is facing the chop after Notting Hill Genesis submitted a planning application to fell the large native tree to “eliminate the need for continuous maintenance”.

In the application the housing association also said the poplar was becoming an “actionable nuisance with the neighbouring properties and retaining wall”.

There are around 7,000 black poplars left in the UK and they are declining.

Margaret Caselton, who lives next door to the housing association flats, told the New Journal: “I’ve lived here since 2014. I wasn’t sure about buying here but one of the things that persuaded me was looking out on my balcony on this wonderful, wonderful tree. I could hear the many leaves rustling and that’s what persuaded me. To lose this tree would break my heart.”

She added that there are a lot of people who look onto the tree – the “top third of the road”.

Ms Caselton added: “I’ve spoken to people there and they’re up in arms. If this tree goes, all of us would be looking at the back of houses “Their reason for taking it down, to avoid continental maintenance, seems totally inadequate to me.

“This is a conservation area. What is the point in having that if they’re just going to take trees down?” In an objection on the council’s planning application, Chris McDonnell said: “I’m deeply saddened by the proposal to remove the mature Black Poplar near our home.

This tree has been part of our lives for years – offering shade in summer, golden leaves in autumn, and a sense of calm and continuity through every season. In a designated Conservation Area, we expect trees like this to be protected, not threatened.”

A Notting Hill Genesis spokesperson said: “Felling mature trees is always a last resort and an outcome we try to avoid as best as possible, and that local authorities only permit if there are no other options.

“In this case the tree roots are causing substantial damage to a nearby wall, which is now in a dangerous condition and has to be propped up to prevent collapse. The best way to avoid further damage and potential risk to anyone approaching the wall is to remove the tree. We can then rebuild the wall in a way that is safe and secure.”