Former Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan has successfully concluded a dispute with his neighbours, gaining permission to remove seven sycamore trees from his Cheshire estate. This decision comes despite concerns raised about the impact on the local magpie population.
The 74-year-old former Liverpool star, along with his immediate neighbours, faced opposition from around half a dozen residents across the street who were against the extensive felling.
One individual opposing the plan even submitted a sound recording to the local council featuring birds – such as blackbirds, blue tits, parakeets, robins, and magpies – nesting in the trees, hoping this evidence would prevent the felling of the 60-foot sycamores.
Interestingly, Keegan managed Newcastle United in the 1990s, a club nicknamed `The Magpies` due to their black and white strip resembling the bird`s plumage.
The sycamore trees, estimated to be 50 years old, were protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) established before the construction of the four houses in the row, including Keegan`s property.
However, Keegan and his adjacent neighbours have now obtained permission from the local council for the complete removal of the trees, described in their application as “dead and decaying”.
In a written objection, one resident stated: “These protected trees have consistently offered a welcoming and natural habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, particularly birds.”
“For many years, our homes and those of our neighbours faced an empty field. Now, our view, especially in winter, is of four detached properties.”
“During the summer, when people spend more time in their gardens, these trees offered privacy, shade, and effective noise reduction for everyone involved.”
“In my honest opinion, over the past 40 years, these protected trees have caused no significant issues. Cutting down healthy, living trees would be a tragedy.”
Another resident who objected, whose property is adjacent to Keegan`s, mentioned having previously contributed financially to tree maintenance as a sign of goodwill.
They stated: “I fully agree that maintenance and intervention are needed for the trees. My objection lies with specific aspects of the proposed plan.”
A third objector commented: “Just because the trees are now labelled a nuisance doesn`t justify their arbitrary removal, especially considering they were present long before the houses were constructed.”
During his playing career, primarily with Liverpool, Keegan achieved significant success, including three First Division titles, two UEFA Cups, an FA Cup, and a European Cup. He was also awarded the Ballon d`Or twice.
As a manager, Keegan is perhaps most remembered for his passionate “I would love it” monologue directed at Sir Alex Ferguson during the 1996 Premier League title race, where his Newcastle team ultimately lost their significant lead to Manchester United.
The former England national team coach relocated to his five-bedroom property in Cheshire in 2002 and has since undertaken renovations, including a loft conversion, adding two dormer windows and a rear conservatory.
Trafford Council officials granted permission for the trees to be felled by April 2027, stipulating that replacement trees must be planted.
The council report justified the decision, stating: “The sycamore trees slated for removal are unanimously in poor health, showing signs of dead bark on their lower trunks, structural deficiencies in their canopies, and low leaf emergence.”
“Decay is visible at various points where previous pruning occurred, indicating these trees pose a potential hazard in the near future if left standing.”
