LOWERHOUSE resident Donna Hargreaves was successful in a plea to Burnley Council to axe an ash tree growing in her back garden.

The tree at Printers Fold is covered by a Tree Preservation Order and objections to its felling were made by two councillors and Hapton Parish Council.

A report by Parks Services to the development control and highways sub-committee said the tree's health had been affected by housing development being allowed to take place too close.

Officers reported there was decay in the base, fungi was present and the tree was to be in a hazardous condition with branches growing over the property and falling into the garden.

Donna told the committee the branches were growing out of control over the properties and if it fell it would damage the houses.

Councillor Jack Alston commented: "It is a very large tree, massive.

"We should consider this more when we allow planning applications. This tree has been killed by the building and I agree with the recommendation that it must come down."

In written objections two ward councillors objecting to the felling of the tree saying enough trees in Lowerhouse had already been lost. The parish council objected to the trees being felled but agreed they should be pruned.