A village church has lost its bid to cut back three trees in its car park after council planners blocked the move.

Warwick District Council has granted three tree protection orders (TPO) to stop the trees at St Francis of Assisi Church, Rising Lane, being pruned.

An application from Direct Tree Surgery Ltd asked for permission to take 15 metres off each of three trees in Baddesley Clinton.

Plans stated this was for the safety of residents and churchgoers.

But council planners said the trees should be left untouched.

"A site visit was undertaken, and the trees were assessed as being in good condition," a council report said.

"As a group, they form a significant landscape feature and make a positive contribution to the character of the conservation area."

It added: "The proposed works would result in a substantial loss of amenity and have an adverse impact on the character and appearance of the conservation area."

TPOs have been made for a cypress and two cedars.

The application to the council said: "The car-park at St Francis Of Assisi church has three large trees in it.

"All of the coniferous / evergreen / redwood variety.

"The[y] are very tall and require "topping" (up to 50 per cent of the total height) - as a matter of preventative maintenance.

"The benefit of the general public, churchgoers and the residents who live within close proximity to the trees have all been considered in this proposal - health and safety is the main concern in light of recent storms and high winds.

"The reducing of the height will act not only as a visual improvement - but also as a matter of public interest for all considered parties."

Click here to see the application in full.

(Header image by Robin Stott via Geograph.org.uk)