CONTROVERSIAL plans to chop down protected mature trees along the banks of the Gannel estuary in Newquay have been approved.

Cornwall Council has given the green light to remove three Monterey cypress trees within the grounds of the Hotel California in Pentire

The authority’s tree officer James Gregory and Newquay Town Council supported the trees being replaced for safety reasons as they were damaged.

Campaigners opposed the trees being felled as they argue they are part of the estuary’s eco system and a habitat for various bird life.

The removed trees will be replaced with two Maritime pine trees and a Stone pine tree as part of the planning approval, which takes into consideration plans to demolish the Hotel California and build 20 apartments as well as four houses has already been given the go ahead.

The planning decision stated: “The tree work hereby granted consent shall be completed before the expiration of two years from the date of this consent.

“The removed trees shall be replaced with one Stone pine (Pinus pinea) and two Maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) feathered whips between 1.75 metres 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.”

Newquay Town Council has urged 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.