MAJOR plans to cut down more than one hundred trees in the ancient grounds of the Priory in Christchurch have been submitted for approval.

Proposals by Christchurch Borough Council involve the felling, pollarding or safety maintenance of around a third of the 415 trees within the scheduled monument site.

The area mainly consist of oak, lime beech, poplar, horse chestnut, yew and sycamore trees.

A report states the work is need to prevent damage to the scheduled monument, remove health and safety hazards, preserve and enhance the setting of the site and to address a backlog of deferred maintenance.

The planned action is based on the recommendations of the council's tree and landscape officer and Christchurch Parochial Church Council.

The site is divided into nine "compartments", with the Paradise Walk and Church Hatch areas set to receive the most attention if permission is granted.

Tree and landscape officer Andy Beale's report says: "Both [areas] have lost their connectivity with the surrounding historic landscape.

"When following the paths though the gardens, during certain times of the year none of the standing features of the scheduled monument can be clearly viewed from these compartments, if at all.

"The root of the problem affecting this is a large number of self-sown trees, particularly Sycamore, that have grown unchecked into semi mature trees across the scheduled monument site.

"Views will be re-established by selectively removing the majority of these self-sown trees, unlocking the connectivity that has been lost."

A detailed tree schedule lists the trees earmarked for felling and pollarding, although the majority of mentioned are set to be completely cut down.

To carry out the work a crane is described as "essential" by Mr Beale.

He says all works will be carried out in accordance with regulations and the proposals are the first step towards improving the management of the site.

"It is intended that, after review, a revised management plan is prepared for the site.

"This plan would have proposals for long term management and for replacement planting of trees and shrubs, and continuation of sensitive management of natural successional species, with the aim to preserve the scheduled monument and connectivity that the site offers its visitors for many years to come."