Tree preservation order set to remain

The order was imposed on an area of woodland to the south of Belmont House.

But the council received an objection, suggesting that not all trees in the area were worthy of being subject to a TPO and requesting that some should be exempted.

A forestry officer made two visits to inspect the site, which has mature specimens of trees including sycamore, lime, ash and horse chestnut.

The latest visit was made in September last year and a report to councillors states: "During this visit it became apparent that a high proportion of the trees are worthy of a Tree Preservation Order and that a survey which attempts to identify individual specimens could lead to future confusion due to the random nature of tree locations and the high number of trees within the woodland."

As a result, councillors are being recommended to uphold the original order, but have clarified that it does not apply to dead or dangerous examples, that pruning is permitted to keep accesses clear and that ivy removal is acceptable.