I WAS surprised that the application by Snape Parish Council for consent to cut down the 180-year-old avenue of lime trees, which is protected by a Tree Preservation Order, has been deferred by Hambleton District Planning Authority.

The trees have special legal protection afforded by The Town and Country Planning Act and subsidiary legislation.

This protection was previously applied by Hambleton, in the interests of amenity and pursuant to the council’s statutory obligations.

Much has been spoken and written on this matter, but in my opinion the central issue around which the decision ought to turn, is which of the two conflicting reports on the condition of these trees should be accepted. Both have been produced by qualified arboriculturalists.

One report (Whitehead) advocates some felling and replanting, the other (Barnes) recommends conservation of all of the trees plus careful management.

In the interests of conservation and amenity, as well as in the interests of economy and audit, the planning authority must surely do its public duty, accept the latter report, and refuse this application.

MC Matson, Lastingham, York