A treehouse built by a father for his autistic son in Cheltenham is set to be removed by local authorities due to health and safety concerns. The structure, constructed by Pete Phipps, 51, and his nine-year-old son Cooper, was located in Burrow’s Field, a public area managed jointly by Leckhampton with Warden Hill parish council and Cheltenham borough council.

The treehouse was initially created as a way to encourage Cooper, who has autism and severe anxiety, to spend more time outdoors. Mr. Phipps, an artist and signwriter from Leckhampton, Gloucestershire, said he and his son had visited the site nearly every day since beginning the project last year. The treehouse was built around a fallen tree that the pair discovered while out walking, which had a history as a local hangout spot for decades.

Describing the treehouse as a "sculptural and magical piece," Mr. Phipps emphasized its significance as a special and safe place for him and Cooper to connect with nature. He also highlighted the social aspect, noting that the treehouse had become a community spot frequented by friends. While Mr. Phipps expressed disappointment over the planned removal, he stated that many local residents had expressed anger and sadness about the decision.

The treehouse gained wider attention as its popularity grew, prompting council officials to become involved. Mr. Phipps and Cooper met with the chief tree officer, a parish councillor, and a parish parks councillor in April to discuss the structure’s future.

The authorities have indicated that the treehouse must be removed due to the lack of public liability insurance coverage. A spokesperson for the council explained that, after consultations with several insurers, including brokers and specialist arboreal insurance providers, no entity was willing to offer the required liability coverage for the treehouse on publicly owned land.

The removal underscores ongoing challenges in balancing community projects and informal recreational spaces with regulatory and insurance requirements, particularly when they involve public land and structures not formally approved by local government bodies.