A HOMEOWNER'S bid to chop down a Sycamore tree outside his house has been thwarted.

Hyndburn Council trees sub-committee members voted to introduce a permanent tree preservation order on the tree in Aspen Lane, Oswaldtwistle, as long as no further objections are received before the end of the consultation period.

Members heard the owner, Steven Hacking, claimed the tree was causing damage to his neighbour's home but arboricultural and conservation officer Katy Morley told the meeting there was no evidence that was the case.

And they were told the tree marks the entrance into the conservation area, acting as a landmark at this point.

Ms Morley said the only sign of any impact was some moss on the roof of Mr Hacking's neighbour's house.

Mr Hacking had initially wanted to reduce the height of the tree by about five metres.

But following advice from tree surgeons, Mr Hacking proposed to remove the tree entirely and replace it with a newly planted tree to stop damage being caused to his neighbour's home.

Ms Morley said: "If in the future they maintain it is causing damage, we can ask for a report showing proof. If they have it, we would have no problem with the tree being removed and replaced."

She added Mr Hacking would be able to employ a tree surgeon to reduce or thin the tree by up to 25 per cent but going beyond that would put them in breach of the order.

"They have to inform us and then if they don't hear back within 28 days they can do the work they are proposing," Ms Morley said.

Cllr Judith Addison said: "It amazes me that people buy houses and don't seem to know that trees are under a preservation order or they are in a conservation area."

If any further objections are received prior to the end of the consultation on April, a new report will be brought before the committee to decide on the tree preservation order.