RESIDENTS have threatened "absolute uproar" if developers chop down trees in their village to make way for houses.

Salesbury villagers lost their battle against plans by Gleeson Homes to build 22 executive houses on land off Ribchester Road last month.

Councillors approved the scheme by 11 votes to 2 after planning officers told them consent "could not reasonably be withheld."

Now residents are up in arms over rumours that 70 mature oak and sycamore trees could be felled to make way for the four and five-bedroomed houses.

Rumours have been rife since workmen were spotted sizing the trees up, borough councillor Chris Holtom said.

But Gleeson Homes said a landscape plan had not been drawn up and their workmen had been nowhere near it. Coun Holtom said: "We are talking about a whole swathe of mature trees along two sides of the site.

"My telephone has been red hot since people were seen sizing up the trees.

"There are about 70 trees, some about 100 feet high and around 100 years old, and there is deep concern over what is going to happen to them.

"If we have to put up with this development, then it is imperative that at least we are left with the trees.

"There will be an absolute uproar if they are chopped down."

It is believed the workmen were from Ribble Valley Council surveying the site for possible tree preservation orders.

A spokesman for Gleeson Homes said detailed landscape plans for the site had not even been drawn up.

He said: "Certainly, none of our workmen have been there measuring up, nor have we submitted a detailed landscape plan.

"We are known as a responsible developer and, if a tree has to be removed, we will plant more in its place.

"I understand the fears of residents, but we won't be going anywhere near the site until after Christmas."

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