CAMPAIGNERS battling to save a historic landmark avenue of lime trees have called on councillors to think again after they approved plans allowing some of them to be felled and pruned.

The decision by Hambleton District Council’s planning committee over the roadside trees in Snape, near Bedale, has been described by the campaigners say as “an act of vandalism” and they say it flies in the face of recommendations by experts and the council officers.

A meeting of the committee saw it pass controversial plans by Snape Parish Council, to fell and prune some of the trees, which are protected by a tree preservation order.

Officers had recommended councillors refuse the application. Snape council is concerned that the trees could be a danger to road-users and threaten the emergence of young trees, following a report from one company that many needed felling or severe pruning.

But another arborist company brought in by villagers said restricted pruning rather than felling was needed, and this was supported by North Yorkshire County Council’s tree officer and the district council’s conservation officer.

Committee chairman and ward member Councillor David Webster said the parish council did not need to have sought permission to fell the trees as they had been deemed dangerous.

He said over time a secondary row of trees planted 25 years ago would replace the existing avenue. Other councillors were concerned the trees could be a risk to members of the public.

Councillor John Noone said: “The view of the avenue is among the prettiest in the area and pulling up trees would be an act of vandalism.”

After the meeting, campaigner Dr David Kirkby said:”We are absolutely appalled. For councillors to go against the officers recommendation and opinions of two experts just doesn’t make sense. We are asking the council to put a stop on anything being done and to reconsider this, it goes against the advice of so many people.

“This avenue of trees is a precious historic landmark, the other younger trees were planted were further back, so it will be years before they are mature, and they will never replace the glorious avenue as it is. This will be such a huge loss not just for the village, but for the area as a whole, it really is vandalism on a big scale.”

Campaigners are now considering approaching the local government ombudsman with a maladministration complaint.