Kevin Keegan Wins Tree Dispute Against Neighbours

Former Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan has won a dispute with his neighbours over his plan to cut down seven trees at his Cheshire mansion, which were described as a “nuisance”, despite concerns raised for local wildlife, including magpies.

The 74-year-old Liverpool icon and his immediate neighbours faced opposition when around six local residents living opposite objected to the “wholesale” felling of the trees.

In a strong effort to save the 60-ft high sycamore trees, one objector even submitted a sound recording to the local council featuring various birds present, including blackbirds, blue tits, parakeets, robins, and magpies.

Newcastle United is known as the Magpies due to their black and white striped kit, similar to the bird`s plumage. Keegan famously managed the club in the 1990s.

The trees, aged 50, were subject to a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) before the row of four houses, including Keegan`s residence, was built.

However, Keegan and his neighbours have now received approval from the local council to completely cut down the trees, citing them as “dead and decaying”.

In a letter of objection, one resident wrote: “These protected trees have consistently provided a natural and welcoming habitat for a wide variety of animals, especially birds.”

They added: “For many years, our property and our neighbours` homes overlooked an empty field. Now, especially during the winter months, our view is of four detached houses.

“During the summer months, when most people are enjoying their gardens, the protected trees offered privacy, shade from the sun, and effective noise reduction for everyone involved.

“Honestly, over the past 40 years, I can say that the protected trees have caused no significant issues. Cutting down living trees would be a tragedy.”

Another objector, whose property borders Keegan`s, mentioned having previously contributed financially towards tree maintenance as a gesture of goodwill.

They stated: “I fully agree that maintenance and action regarding the trees are necessary. My objection pertains specifically to some of the proposed actions.”

A third objector commented: “The fact that the trees are now considered a nuisance should not justify their arbitrary removal, given that the trees existed long before the houses were constructed.”

During his illustrious playing career at Liverpool, Keegan achieved significant success, winning three Division One Championships, two UEFA Cups, one FA Cup, and a European Cup. He was also awarded the prestigious Ballon d`Or twice.

As a manager, he is widely remembered for his passionate “I would love it if we beat them” remark aimed at Sir Alex Ferguson during the 1995-96 season, when his Newcastle team famously surrendered a 13-point lead and ultimately lost the Premier League title to Manchester United.

The former England manager moved into his five-bedroom residence in Cheshire in 2002. Since then, he has made additions including a loft conversion, two dormer windows, and a rear conservatory.

Officials at Trafford Council approved the tree removal, setting a deadline of April 2027, but stipulated that new trees must be planted in their place.

According to council officials, “The sycamore trees slated for removal are all in poor condition. Most exhibit areas of dead bark on the lower trunk, structural weaknesses in the upper branches (crown), and low rates of leaf budding.

“Decay is apparent at several previous pruning sites, and these trees are likely to become hazardous in the near future if they are not removed.”