A MAJOR backlash has been sparked over plans to cut down a row of established trees between a busy road and a housing estate in Christchurch.

Residents and councillors are up in arms after knowledge of the proposals became more well-known.

As reported by the Christchurch Times, an application has been submitted to Christchurch Borough Council to remove 62 prominent trees along the A35 Lyndhurst Road as it runs along the Hoburne Farm Estate.

The plans were published online earlier this month alongside a detailed tree reported, which was produced by a consulting firm on behalf of the applicants.

Residents are unable to submit comments on the proposals through the local authority’s planning portal and the scheme has currently been assigned for a committee decision.

West Highcliffe ward councillor David Jones said he had been contacted by a lot of people and urged anyone with fears to write to ward councillors and members of the planning committee.

He said: “It will be interesting to see the reasons the developer puts forward for wanting to cut down the trees and hear their agent’s views at committee. In my opinion these trees make a wonderful gateway into Christchurch.”

Hoburne Developments state in the application that the trees are not diseased.

A tree management report produced by firm Treecall says the removal of 44 Monterey pines would be a “significant” loss of amenity in the short term, however the long-term benefits to amenity, canopy cover and wildlife from felling and replacement planting outweigh this.

The application is the latest tree related debate in Christchurch.

Last year, residents in Walkford were furious when developers cut down a number of established trees. Earlier this month concerns were raised over the planned removal of trees from gardens for the former police station site development.

Peter Fenning, secretary of Christchurch Conservation Trust, said trees play an extremely important role that is often overlooked.

He said: “Trees are an important part of our landscape and the environment.

“You only have to go out and see that they are the thing that keeps life going.”