AN appeal has been launched by a Holybourne resident against East Hampshire District Council’s decision to refuse permission to fell two Lombardy poplar trees, which are said to be dominating the rear garden of 9 Smith Close.

While the two trees are protected by tree preservation orders, agent Mike Silvers, of Aldreshot-based M&S Trees, points out that this species of tree is susceptible to heartwood decay and that his client is concerned for the safety of his family and those travelling on the railway, since the trees are growing close to the rail track.

Furthermore, his client has “no objection to re-planting with more suitable trees” such as cherry, he said.

District council planners had turned down the application last September on grounds that, due to their size, the two poplars were “visible and therefore a presence in the local landscape”.

While the concerns over heartwood rot were noted there were no signs, according to East Hampshire District Council, that this was present “using normal visual tree assessment techniques” and there was no evidence submitted with the application to suggest that it was.

While it was suggested that an application to prune both trees in a judicious manner may be successful in gaining consent, the application to fell was not considered to be justified.

The application is to be determined by written representation.

Public comment should be sent to The Planning Inspectorate Environment Team, Room 3/25 Hawk Wing, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol BS1 6PN, quoting the reference number APP/M1710/ENV/3166643.