A city centre tree which folk campaigned to keep safe has had a chunk cut out of it.

Calls are now being made to provide more protection to the silver maple so future incidents can't occur.

The much-loved tree, found on the corner of Pottergate and Dove Street, was initially saved from being cut down after plans were revealed for a new hotel development in Chamberlain House.

Norwich Evening News: The protected tree can be found on the corner of Pottergate and Dove StreetThe protected tree can be found on the corner of Pottergate and Dove Street (Image: Norwich Lanes)

Norwich City Council placed a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) on the silver maple to safeguard it, following a planning application for a 91-bed hotel on the nearby former Tesco supermarket. 

However, passers-by will notice that there is now a peculiar circle shape gouged out of the tree deep enough to expose the inner bark - which suggests a vehicle has struck it.

Denise Carlo, Green Party City councillor for Nelson ward, said: "It's upsetting to see the damage caused to this beautiful tree. 

Norwich Evening News: The silver maple tree has had a chunk gouged out of it to the dismay of those who fought to protect itThe silver maple tree has had a chunk gouged out of it to the dismay of those who fought to protect it (Image: Denise Carlo)

"It isn't clear how the wound has been inflicted but investigation by the tree officers might shed light on how it happened. 

"I would like to see the county council place a metal cage around the tree stem to help to protect it from heavy vehicles once construction of the hotel starts."

Although the tree is subject to a Tree Protection Order it's the county council's responsibility to maintain it due to it being located in the highway.

Norwich Evening News: Denise Carlo, Green Party City councillor for Nelson WardDenise Carlo, Green Party City councillor for Nelson Ward (Image: Newsquest)

A Norfolk County Council spokeswoman said: "We will visit to inspect the tree and consider any measures that may be required."

A TPO is an order made by a local planning authority to protect specific trees, groups of trees or woodlands in the interests of amenity.

It means the tree cannot be cut down, damaged or uprooted without the local planning authority's written consent.

Developers' initial plans had raised the prospect of the tree being removed in its plans to revamp Chamberlain House.