MEMBERS of a watchdog group have pleaded for a mature pair of ‘majestic’ trees in Petersfield to be saved from the axe.

But planning officers face a difficult choice as the red cedars could impact on the future of the 1st Petersfield Scouts and their headquarters if they are not cut down.

An application to fell the trees – believed to be more than a century old – has been submitted by the chairman of the 1st Petersfield Scout Group because their roots are causing damage to the group’s Heath Road headquarters and the adjacent wall, pavement and road.

The “imposing” trees, labelled as firs in the application, are also causing “excessive shading” while their shadow has prevented the group from developing the garden. But the application has also sparked strong objections from the town council and The Petersfield Society with that group calling the application “staggering”.

A resident has since applied for the trees and three others earmarked for work at the side of building to be granted tree preservation orders as none are protected, despite standing in a conservation area.

“They’re majestic, they’re mature, they’re healthy and they’re each about 20 metres tall,” said chairman of The Petersfield Society Graham Brown

“This application is as horrifying as the proposal to fell the two silver maples in The Square.”

The chairman of the Scout group was not available to comment as the Post went to press. For details, type 03856 after following the link at www.south downs.gov.uk/planning