By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
There is disappointment over plans to take down a popular tree house built by residents at a public park in Cheltenham.
The tree house between Burrow’s Field and Lott Meadow in Leckhampton is understood to have been built by youngsters with the help of an adult.
However, council chiefs say the structure has to come down as it poses a safety risk and lacks insurance.
The move has sparked backlash from residents on Facebook, who criticised the health and safety red tape and highlighted how the facility was a welcome alternative for young people compared to playing on screens or causing antisocial disruption.
Leckhampton and Warden Hill Parish Council said in a recent newsletter that the tree house requires public liability insurance as it sits on public land.
They also said they share the disappointment of residents and thanked the community for understanding the difficult balance they need to strike between supporting play and ensuring safety.
“Over recent months, both councils have worked together to explore every possible route to securing appropriate cover,” the newsletter reads.
“Unfortunately, despite exhausting all possible avenues, it has not been possible to insure the structure.
“Following a detailed site meeting in April, representatives from the parish council and Cheltenham Borough Council examined whether any adjustments, exemptions, or alternative arrangements could allow the tree house to remain. Every option was considered with an open mind and a genuine desire to find a solution.
“It is with real regret that we report no safe or insurable way forward could be found. Without appropriate insurance, the parish council cannot knowingly expose residents – especially children – to a level of risk that we cannot mitigate. If there had been any viable way to keep the tree house, we would have taken it.
“With great reluctance, it has therefore been concluded that the tree house must be removed.
“Cheltenham Borough Council’s tree officer will arrange for it to be dismantled and safely chipped over the coming weeks.”
They also said that while fixed structures such as tree houses are not permitted on public land, families and young people are warmly encouraged to continue enjoying their open spaces.
And simple, ground‑level natural play such as tepee-style dens are welcome, they say, provided no timber is taken from live trees and no screws, nails or fixings are used.
Liberal Democrat councillor Steve Harvey (Charlton Kings), who is responsible for parks, gardens and green open space at Cheltenham Borough Council, said they understand the sentimental value of the tree house and the pleasure that it has brought to many children and families, which is why the decision to remove it will come as such a disappointment.
“We worked closely with Leckhampton with Warden Hill Parish Council over a number of months exploring every possible option that would allow the tree house to remain in place safely and legally,” he said.
“This included a detailed site inspection and possible adaptations and alterations.
“Regretfully, the parish council has been unable to secure the public liability insurance required for a structure of this kind on public land.
“Without appropriate insurance cover, the tree house can’t be permitted to remain, as there is a duty of care to protect the safety of everyone who uses public open spaces. Now the tree house will be safely removed and recycled into wood chippings.
“We know this outcome will be upsetting for many people, and we share that disappointment.
“Burrow’s Field is widely regarded as one of Cheltenham’s most important and valued parks and while permanent structures cannot be permitted, informal, ground- level natural play, such as temporary tepee-style dens made from fallen branches, is welcomed.”