A DEVELOPER has won a court case to remove protesters who have been living in a 100-year-old oak tree since October.

The towering oak, in Ashingdon Road, Rochford is set to be felled by developer Bloor Homes in February half term following a legal ruling by the High Court.

The developer was granted an injunction on Friday against four protestors who have been living in the tree since October 20.

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Protestors have been told to leave the tree before crews move in to cut it down or face legal action, fines and possible imprisonment.

The tree will be felled to make way for a new road layout after the firm was given permission to build 662 new homes nearby.

A spokesperson from Bloor Homes said: “We are pleased with the outcome of the High Court hearing and expect the court order to be ratified in the coming days. While the High Court has granted the injunction, it is regrettable that matters have culminated in this way.

“Having worked with all the necessary parties throughout - Rochford District Council, Essex Highways, Holt Farm Infant School and Essex Police - and having ensured that we have always had the relevant permissions to remove the tree in line with the approved planning permission received from the planning inspectorate, the High Court injunction means we can now move forward and plan the safe removal of the tree in February during half term.”