A tree preservation order set up close to a residential area in Coalville is set to stay in place - despite an appeal which will be heard next week.

North West Leicestershire District Council's planning committee will meet on Tuesday, and consider an objection made by Harworth Estates, challenging the order made in February.

The district council will advise councillors to keep the order in place. It centres around the Dauphine Close and Kenmore Crescent area of Coalville.

But Harworth, represented by FCPR, has offered a series of mitigating circumstances - including an admission that: 'Contractors had made a genuine error in removing more trees than instructed'.

A report, which will be presented at the meeting, says: "As a result of tree felling being carried out on land to the south of Dauphine Close and Kenmore Crescent in late January 2023, residents requested that a Tree Preservation Order be made.

"Their concerns were that important trees across several fields and hedgerows were at risk from potential development after a recent change in property ownership.

"Young naturally regenerated trees and some mature trees were reported to have been removed.

"In this case, due to the large number of trees involved, it was impractical to inspect all trees individually.

"Subsequently, a provisional Area TPO, covering seven disused fields and their dividing hedgerows, was made on 10th February to preserve the amenity value of the area."

But an objection has been received from FPCR Consultants, representing Harworth Estates Investments Ltd, raising a number of issues, including:

• The reasons for making the TPO are unsubstantiated.

• Contractors had made a genuine error in removing more trees than instructed.

• FPCR were unaware of the Council's TEMPO assessment.

• FPCR consider that a large proportion of the site has restricted public visibility.

• Tree work applications could result in increased administration

• Harworth Estates need to manage existing trees and vegetation appropriately and effectively so that visitors are reasonably safe.

• The removal of the saplings was to aid management of the grassland and reduce the risk of fire. 

• Area TPOs should only be for short-term protection.

• The land is currently being promoted for residential development

• FPCR consider that an Area Order is inappropriate and that if the LPA considers that a TPO is still required, that it be modified to protect individual trees and groups of trees.

A council officer's report says: "Due to contractors felling more trees than allowable without a Felling Licence, the Forestry Commission have served a stop notice.

"But the Forestry Commission support the making of a TPO. It is agreed that Area TPOs should only be for short-term protection and therefore it is recommended that the TPO be confirmed with modifications to only protect trees in hedgerows and significant areas of natural regeneration."

Harworth Estates are already established in the area with developments being built as part of the South East Coalville project.