Plans to fell a protected tree in Knypersley are set to be refused by councillors later this week.

The application to Staffordshire Moorlands District Council's Planning Committee seeks consent to cut down a large, mature Pine tree, which is protected by a tree preservation order and located near the grounds of 121 and 123 Tunstall Road.

The plans were submitted by FFC Landscape Architects on behalf of local builders J Littleton & Co, who are currently developing six new dwellings on the site.

They argue that the tree is over-mature, showing signs of dead wood and branch loss, and could cause substantial damage to the development if it were to fall.

The application also states that the pine could concern future purchasers of the development, and that the construction of the dwellings could damage the tree's roots.

However, the plans have been recommended for refusal by the district council's arboricultural officer Steve Massey, who felt that the tree contributed to the local area's character.

He said: "The proposed felling of [the Pine] would result in the total loss of amenity value currently provided by this large mature tree, which is a notable feature contributing to the character of the site and the wider local area, and the reasons for the application are not considered to justify such work."

Mr Massey also stated that the tree also appeared to be in "good condition", and continued: "The site and surrounding area is characterised by the presence of large mature trees; the Pine not only contributes to this character but also stands out as a notable specimen in

its own right. It is considered to have significant public amenity value."

He added: "In conclusion, whilst there is inevitably a degree of risk associated with the presence of any tree, the reasons for the application are not considered to justify the loss of amenity value which would arise from the removal of the Pine."

Members of the district council's Planning Committee will make the final decision on the tree at a meeting on Thursday.