Permission to chop down trees at Tottenhill refused

Keith Wood applied to fell the pines in the rear garden of his property at Tottenhill, near King's Lynn.

His agent said: "They are becoming large for the location, all lean and are starting to push up pavement on the roadside which may present trip hazards for elderly residents.

"The client is concerned about the implications if they were to fall and damage neighbouring property - his home insurers have expressed concern."

The trees in Keith Wood's garden at Tottenhill, which planners have refused to allow him to fell (Image: Chris Bishop)

But West Norfolk council has turned down Mr Wood's application after a report from its in-house tree expert said there was no evidence the trees were "liable to failure".

"They all appear to be in good physiological and structural condition with a life expectancy of at least 50 years," it went on.

"Along with other substantial mature trees in this part of the village these trees make a significant positive contribution to the character of the area."

A council arboricultural officer said the trees make a significant contribution to Tottenhill (Image: Chris Bishop)

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Mr Wood said of the decision: "I like trees, my name's a clue - it was just the risk."

He added he was prepared to plant native trees to replace the pines.

The trees' roots are damaging the pavement on Willow Close (Image: Chris Bishop)

Mike Fox, who lives in one of the bungalows on Willow Place, behind Mr Wood's property on Green Lane, said: "They do sway every time there's an easterly wind.

"I can't see how they can tell that they're sound what with climate change. I do worry about them a lot. It's like on a scale of one to 10, it's eight when the wind's up."

Another neighbour said: "It worries me, but at the same time I've been told that trees that sway are less likely to fall and they are beautiful trees."