CAMPAIGNERS are opposing plans to chop down protected mature trees along the banks of the Gannel estuary in Newquay as part of a scheme to redevelop a former hotel.

Residents are angry planning applications have been submitted to remove three Monterey cypress trees within the grounds of the Hotel California in Pentire, which is being replaced with 20 apartments and four houses. They argue the trees are part of the estuary’s eco system and a habitat for various bird life.

But Newquay Town Council and Cornwall Council’s tree officer James Gregory are supporting the trees being replaced for safety reasons after they were damaged.

The authority is calling for Cornwall Council to prosecute whoever is responsible for damaging the trees, which are subject to tree preservation orders. The developer’s expert says the damage was done before the current owners took over.

Mr Gregory states the removed trees should be replaced with Stone pine and Maritime pine trees but the town council is objecting to the type being suggested.

Resident Richard Dodd says he will “chain himself to the Monterey cypress trees” if anyone moves in to chop them down.

Mr Dodd said: “These trees at the old California hotel are protected for a reason. From the birds that use them-jackdaws, crows, kestrels, peregrine falcons and to the small birds.

“These trees form an ecosystem that is diverse to our Gannel area. They cannot be cut down. I will chain myself to one of those trees, to make sure they don’t get cut down.”

Newquay Town Council’s planning committee has objected to the removal of the Monterey cypress trees.

The committee stated: “Given that the wilful damage to these protected trees appears likely to have ensured their demise, the town council fully supports their replacement, in line with the tree officer’s recommendations; the application to replace with Macrocarpa is therefore objected to.

“Councillors were shocked to hear of the damage inflicted on these trees, and are keen to make their absolute anger very clear.

“It is understood that anyone who wilfully damages a tree that is subject to a tree preservation order, in a way that is likely to destroy it, is guilty of an offence under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. With this in mind, councillors would seek confirmation that the local authority will fully investigate the matter and that, if appropriate, legal proceedings will be pursued.”

Mr Gregory said: “Given the condition of the trees due to wilful damage, post placement of the preservation order, they are not considered retainable long term and their removal is required as a matter of safety.

“The removed trees shall be replaced with Stone pine (Pinus pinea) and Maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) feathered whips between 1.75 and two metres high within two metres of the stump of the felled trees immediately following removal.

“Reasoning for the planting times; given that this a development site, the trees will need to be planted to allow time for establishment prior to occupation of the units.

“The area will also be required to be retained within a construction exclusion zone to allow the surrounding soils to be protected to prevent compaction for machinery movement and construction activity thereby allowing for root growth of the trees as they mature.

“The replacement trees shall be retained and if removed, become seriously damaged or diseased or die within five years of planting, shall be replaced with the same species and specification.

“The existing tree preservation order will need to be updated to reflect the new species to allow for the continuation protection of the tree in this location.”

Cllr Joanna Kenny, the Cornwall councillor for Pentire and central Newquay, said: “I am angry and disappointed at the deliberate damage done to these beautiful trees though to be clear there is no evidence as to whom is responsible. A clear circle has been cut by chain saw completely around the bole of the trees and sadly Cornwall Council’s tree officer has confirmed that they cannot survive.

“The Tree Protection Order of the area below the proposed build was placed immediately after planning permission was obtained.

“Beautiful and valuable mature trees in their own right, the trees also provided real protection to the views of the Gannel Estuary, softening the effect of the large build from all directions. While I welcome the planting of replacement trees, it will be many years before they grow to maturity and can protect the estuary.

“I fully support the town council’s call that those responsible should be prosecuted.”