OBJECTIONS to new tree preservation orders covering the Down Road area of Tavistock have sparked a site visit involving members of West Devon's planning committee.

A blanket temporary order covering all trees in this area of the town was introduced a year ago, after the council carried out initial survey work.

The council was also approached by some local residents who feared the special landscape quality of the road was being eroded by tree felling.

This order was lifted following an extensive survey, covering around 700 trees. The area has now been divided into five pockets of land, covering Down Road, Down Lea, the rear of Westmoor Park and the area between Deer Park Lane and Down Park Drive. Tree preservation orders (TPOs) have been proposed for individual specimens within these areas.

The planning committee last week heard landscape officer Georgina Brown tell councillors that trees recommended for protection had been graded and assessed for their form, health, life expectancy and any special factors relating to their setting within the landscape.

Any tree exceeding 216 points, using the grading system, was likely to be worth protection, she said.

The committee heard there had been seven objections from homeowners in these areas regarding the imposition of TPOs on some trees within their gardens.

Some residents disagreed with the value or quality of the trees the council was seeking to protect, some claimed the schedule and plan used by the borough was incorrect and another said the council was abusing its power as the local planning authority by instigating the orders.

The committee agreed a site visit to view the trees in question, and their position within the landscape, was necessary before they could make a decision on the imposition of the recommended TPOs.