OKEHAMPTON College looks set to lose its source of conkers as the horse chestnut tree has been proposed for removal.

The tree needs to be felled due to excessive dieback, which refers to the progressive death of twigs and branches due to disease.

A planning application requesting the removal was submitted by Joseph Wood to West Devon Borough Council on August 9 and has been supported by Okehampton Town Council.

The application proposes that the tree, situated in a conservation area at the college on Mill Road, should be replaced with an English oak tree due to the decay of the horse chestnut tree.

A decision on this application is due to be made by October 4.