CITY council tree officers want to refuse plans to fell six Poplar trees, despite local support to do so. 

An applicant, listed as J Gualano, wants to remove and replace the trees at New House, Down Farm Lane, in Headbourne Worthy. 

The application will be decided by Winchester City Council's planning committee on Wednesday, April 17. 

The plans have received nine supporting comments, saying the trees are dangerous. The Worthys ward councillor Jackie Porter also supports it.

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She said: “I support this TPO application. During the wet weather in Jan/Feb, one tree fell and landed on other houses, electricity cables and just missed family bedrooms and study.

“I would like to see a tree planting plan to replace with appropriate trees in the fullness of time.

“Trees in this area soak up some of the ground water, but also create a real hazard when they rot at or near the base.”

Anita Gibson, of Down Farm Lane, said: “The trees are now oversized and a similar tree has recently been blown down during high winds, falling across a road. The trees submitted for removal pose a risk to life and property, particularly with the more frequent strong winds that we are encountering in recent years.”

Sam Whitworth, of Springvale Road, said: “Please enable these trees to be removed as soon as possible. Earlier this year other Poplar trees fell endangering lives and property. We have had one warning and should not wait for another.”

The tree officers' report said that the tree should not be felled due to them having a 'high amenity value'. The report said: “These mature Poplar trees can be clearly seen from a number of public standpoints, so have a good public visual amenity value as a group. The removal of these five protected Poplar trees would have a significant detrimental impact on the landscape and character of the local area.”

For more information about the plans online, search 24/00230/TPO on Winchester City Council's planning portal.