Plans to fell a protected tree in Knypersley have been rejected by councillors.

Nub News reported earlier this week how an application to Staffordshire Moorlands District Council's Planning Committee sought 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.

But the plans were rejected by committee members at a virtual Zoom meeting today, following the recommendation of the district council's arboricultural officer Steve Massey, who felt that the tree contributed to the local area's character.

However, Cllr Linda Lea, who represents the Brown Edge & Endon ward, spoke in favour of felling the Pine.

She said: "With this tree, I think the removal of the lower branches has spoilt the look of it.

"It doesn't add the beauty of the area, it looks like it might fall over, and I would feel concerned whenever there was a storm that it would blow over."

On the other hand, Cllr Jim Davies, who represents Biddulph North, disagreed, saying: "I take the opposite view.

"I think it's a valuable and important addition to the site, and I think we need to do all we can to soften the impact of the new housing and to make it harmonise with the area, and I think this tree helps to do that."

All councillors then voted to refuse the application to fell the tree, with the exception of Cllr Lea, who voted in favour.

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.

Nub News previously reported how the application argued 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.

But in a report to the Planning Committee, Mr Massey 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