Just two trees have been saved by council planners who have given a housing developer permission to cut down a number of dead trees at a new housing estate in Kenilworth.

Multiple residents had objected to Persimmon Homes' application for Kenilworth Gate but Warwick District Council has now signed off on some of the works.

Initially the developer had asked to fell 11 trees on Leamington Road but has been given permission for only nine to be removed.

Planners said the application did not "provide sufficient justification for removal" of the other two.

"While deadwood is present, this can be addressed through routine maintenance," it said.

"Felling is considered an extreme and premature response."

However, of the other nine, a council report said: "For every tree approved for removal under this notice, the landowner must plant one replacement tree in the first planting season following removal."

Persimmon said the works were necessary as it has a duty of care to deal with trees "which you could reasonably foresee would be likely to cause injury or harm to visitors or neighbours and ensure they will be reasonably safe when using its premises for its intended purposes".

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Residents raised concerns about the works saying the trees acted as an acoustic barrier from the nearby roads.

Neighbour Averil Stewart wrote: "Land and permissions were approved previously based on attempting to retain as much of the trees and screening as possible.

"To say a declining tree is "not tolerable" is unacceptable, when the massive loss of habitat already being made by these developers.

"There should be a "hands off" approach to any remaining scrub and trees to ensure the area recovers its natural feel, as soon as possible.

"It isn't for a developer or anyone to class a tree in this way."

The application included a report completed by Wharton Natural Infrastructure Consultants Ltd.

It assessed the health of 18 trees around the estate entrance, 11 of which said they needed to be felled.

See the application here.

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