RESIDENTS and councillors in Christchurch were shocked to see the removal of three healthy trees near the A35.

The approval was granted for the felling of three Monterrey Cypresses on Elderflower Close, despite an application filed in 2018 to remove all of them being refused twice.

The area's beloved Monterrey Pines, however, have remained untouched.

On asking the Christchurch Town Council about the decision to remove these trees, residents found that some of the officers involved in the decision did not know where the trees were.

The application to remove the trees was approved due to tree officers stating in their report that "they were unworthy of retention", which has been strongly contested by local natural enthusiasts.

Christchurch resident Richard Adams said: “The real reason for this application is because the applicants don’t like needles and cones in their garden. Clearly the trees were there when they bought the house, so I have very little sympathy for this.

“We are amazed that people who have bought houses that back onto the trees didn't seem to be aware that they were there and are surprised that they drop needles and cones and block out the sunlight.

“Our main concern is that a precedent has been set for others to make similar applications to fell trees.

“Councillor Dedman has been extremely helpful in typing to save these trees, but she was not aware of the application until it was too late. She has said she will be scouring future applications more carefully than ever.”

In a decision notice for a previous application to remove the trees said the loss of the trees would have a “significant detrimental impact on the landscape character of the area” on one of the major approaches to the town from the New Forest and the East.

Tree surgeons removed all three trees two weeks ago, with two Monterey Pines subject to be planted as replacements within a year of the felling to maintain the area's landscape.

Friars Cliff Ward Councillor Lesley Dedman admits that the application slipped by her and Cllr Paul Hilliard, and endeavoured to enforced a stay of execution on the tree which remains from the application.

Having contacted the top Tree Officer at BCP Council, Cllr Dedman was informed that nothing could be done to reverse this particular decision, which was made on the state of the trees and correctly given the circumstances.

However, following her enquiries, officers will now be flagging up any applications to fell these amenity trees in the future.

She said: “This application goes totally against the Boroughs and ward councillors avowed intent to keep that avenue of trees as a landmark, and I am determined that this will not be the start of the destruction of that avenue as envisaged previously.

“These Monterrey Pines on the A35 are so loved by the residents of Christchurch and the landscape value of this avenue of trees is incredible.

“I am determined that these stately Pines will continue to accentuate the entrance down the hill towards Christchurch for as long as they are viable.”