12/10/2025
THE VIEW OF BROADWAY TOWER FROM BROADWAY VILLAGE
BACKGROUND AND PRESERVATION EFFORTS
The Broadway Trust acknowledges that concerns have emerged regarding the steps taken to ensure the visibility of Broadway Tower from the village centre. To address these concerns, it is important to consider the local history associated with this landscape. In 1980, the Trustees of the Broadway Trust acquired Tower Hill Farm, which consisted of approximately 48 acres of fields located on the escarpment between the village and the Tower. The primary aim of this purchase was to protect the historic landscape from future development, preserving its character for generations to come. The farm was subsequently leased under an agricultural tenancy.
CHANGES IN OWNERSHIP AND CONTINUED PRESERVATION
In 2017, the Trust made the decision to sell all but one of the fields that comprised Tower Hill Farm. The purpose of this sale was to generate a capital sum for investment, enabling the Trust to provide grants to local organizations and groups. An example of this support includes a recent grant of £1,250 to the new nursery unit at Broadway First School for equipment purchases.
The Trustees were careful to prevent any risk of development on the fields through the inclusion of specific covenants in the sale agreement. These conditions stipulated that the appearance and condition of the fields must not be materially altered, prohibited development as defined by the Town and Country Planning Act, and restricted the felling or lopping of trees unless they were certified as diseased or dangerous. Furthermore, the fields could only be used for agricultural or equestrian purposes.
As a result of these actions, the historic landscape above Broadway has been preserved for the past 45 years.
ENSURING THE VIEW OF BROADWAY TOWER
The sale agreement also imposed positive obligations on the new owners, most notably the requirement to manage trees on the property so that the view of Broadway Tower from the eastern side of the Springfield Lane and High Street junction in the village remained unobstructed. The Trustees believed in the unique and significant relationship between the village and the Tower, considering the visibility of the Tower from the village centre to be iconic for both residents and visitors. In 2017 this view was clear and unimpeded.
RECENT DEVELOPMENT AND TREE MANAGEMENT
By Spring 2025, the Trust became aware that, over the previous eight years, tree growth had begun to obscure the view of the Tower, especially when the trees were in leaf. A field meeting was convened with one of the property owners, the Chair of the Trustees, a Parish Council representative, and two other interested parties. Four trees were identified as obstructing the view, and it was agreed that these would be reduced in height by one third. The owners commissioned a report from a tree surgeon, revealing that all four were ash trees suffering from ash dieback. Two trees were beyond saving and needed felling, while two others could be reduced in height. However, during the work, it was found that a third tree also required felling due to its condition, and the fourth was reduced in height.
FURTHER ACTION AND RESTORATION OF THE VIEW
Throughout the summer, it became clear to the Trust that the view of the Tower was still partially blocked. In August, another meeting was held, and a fifth ash tree was identified as causing the remaining obstruction. The Trust agreed that this tree should also be felled. The current state of ash dieback in that tree will be assessed. The tree was felled in September, restoring the view of the Tower to its 2017 condition.
All tree work was carried out by the current Tower Farm owners at their own expense, for which the Trust is grateful.
CONSULTATION AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
The Trust did not consult the village regarding the proposed tree felling, as it was fulfilling its legal obligations under the 2017 agreement. The Parish Council participated as an independent party to represent village interests. Considering the varied opinions expressed on social media and the challenges of conducting a community survey, the Trust believes its actions were sensible and appropriate given the circumstances.
CONCLUSION
The Trust hopes that, upon understanding the background and reasoning for the tree felling, villagers will appreciate the Trust’s intentions—even if some may disagree with the outcome.
