Neighbors Save Historic Trees, Winchester Homeowner Sells

0:00On April 17th, neighbors in a posh Winchester street block the homeowner from cutting down two 30-foot U-trees at his 1,400,000-pound house. Peter Sykes wanted the space for a new building and parking spots, but the trees are protected and over 60 years old. The local council shut down his plan, keeping the trees safe in this historic conservation area. The house has set empty for five years, owned by Sykes' family since the 1960s. These had tenants like Polish contractors for repairs, but no one's made it a real home. Last year he got approval to squeeze in another house on the property, but only if those use stayed put. Locals were fired up, with 15 objections calling the removal, a potential travesty that had wrecked the quirky charm of their millionaire row. Homes there average over 1,400,000 pounds, and folks worried it had trashed the neighborhood vibe. Older neighbors like 78-year-old Peter Moore and 69-year-old Nick Page led the charge, praising the council for backing their tree, experts.

1:03They say Sykes ignored the community, letting the place fall apart despite past promises to protect the trees. Now the streets buzzing with relief, pushing Sykes to sell and let someone restore the plot properly. In a spot this special, those old trees stand as a win for keeping history rooted.