RESIDENTS are opposed to plans to cut down a 65-year-old Monterey Pine at the gateway into Newquay.

A pre-application has been submitted to remove the tree at Bryher at Gannel Road as it is pushing against a retaining wall.

But a number of people have spoken out against the plans stating the wall should be removed before the evergreen conifer is cut down.

A number of residents believe the plans are being put forward so that the homeowner can have a better view and increase their property price.

Resident Christianne Trebilcock said: “There is no need for the tree to be removed.

“It is one of the few large trees left in Newquay.

“I’ve been enjoying watching the murmuration of Starlings lately but I did think where are they all going to roost?

“I hope they don't lose another place.”

Gill Drew added: “What came first the tree or the wall?

“Save the tree and take the wall down.”

Outer Space Gardens said: “This is an opportunity for the council to show what should happen.

“The tree is obviously blocking a view. Sort the wall and save the tree.”

The applicant had applied for an exception notice to carry out the work, but tree officer James Gregory stated planning permission is required.

He added only works necessary to avoid an imminent risk of serious harm being caused or the removal of a dead tree are exceptions.

Emma Hart, a senior development officer at Cornwall Council, in correspondence to the applicant, said: “I can confirm that the proposed tree works are not exempt from the requirement to obtain consent from the local planning authority for the following reasons.

“The works proposed in this exception notice do not constitute an exception, as defined by the relevant regulations, from the need to apply for formal consent or to give proper prior notification.

“Only those works necessary to avoid an imminent risk of serious harm being caused or the removal of a dead tree are exceptions.

“As such, the emergency works notice is not the correct format to deal with this.

“A form for an application to carry out works within a TPO/Conservation Area should be filled out.

“The same form covers tree preservation order applications and Conservation Area Notifications.

“It is my view that you may not proceed with the works described without being granted formal consent from the council.”