Councillors have told a local household it cannot cut down a tree in its garden which is blocking the sunlight.

Warwick District Council's planning committee this week approved a tree preservation order (TPO) for the lime tree on Kingswood Green, Lapworth, meaning it cannot be felled.

Speaking at the meeting, applicant Jonathan Ryan pointed to the fact neighbouring homes on the new estate had been allowed to chop down similar trees.

"All the properties back onto the canal and the lime trees were all planted at the same time by the previous land owner at some point in the past," he said.

Mr Ryan said it was not a "level playing field" as no site inspections had been held before other trees were cut down.

Business manager Rob Young said he "didn't know" why there were no site visits to the neighbouring lime trees in 2021 when they were allowed to be removed.

Meanwhile, Cllr Peter Phillips criticised the "inconsistent approach".

The tree was in place before the new homes were built (image via planning application)

Cllr Claire Wightman added: "I feel uncomfortable with the inconsistencies that other committee members have spoken about between the decision making criteria and historic decisions and this one. 

"And the lack of contextual information to officers in order for them to apprise us of any meaningful comparison between what happened then and what we are being asked to consider now."

However, Cllr Becky Davison - while sympathising with the criticisms of the process - pointed to an issue with the application.

"I am finding it conflicting," she stated. 

"The objection [to the TPO] says the removal would not create a visual gap, but then also is requesting to remove the tree to provide sunlight. 

"So that would create a visual gap? That doesn't make much sense to me."

Ultimately, councillors voted to grant the TPO as the original planning application for the new homes - built around five years ago - included a condition that the trees must be kept.

Three councillors voted against the TPO.