A CAMPAIGN has been launched in Grange-over-Sands to save an avenue of protected trees that are due to be axed to provide access to a housing development.

Late last year South Lakeland District Council's planning committee voted to approve plans for 64 homes at Tricketts Field.

The decision came despite protestations from locals that it would destroy views on Morecambe Bay and lower tourism numbers.

Grange & District Action Group (GADAG) recently encouraged local residents to come together for a symbolic protest in front of the 11 lime trees on Kents Bank Road as part of a national Community Voice on Planning (CoVop) action day.

The trees, which are covered by Tree Preservation Orders and situated in the centre of Grange Conservation Area, will be felled and replaced by an access road leading to the development.

Peter Nightingale, secretary of GADAG, said: "Here in Grange these houses would be a disaster. It might sound NIMBY but this is an exceptional piece of land."

A spokesman for South Lakeland District Council said: “While we are aware that some local development can prove controversial, the planning committee is always well-briefed and advised about all the material planning issues relating to an application before a decision is taken.

“SLDC has an up-to-date Local Plan which has been approved by a Planning Inspector following a detailed assessment, which allocates land for housing, including much-needed affordable homes, as well as more and higher quality employment opportunities in the district. We are one of the few local authorities in the North West with an up-to-date Local Plan including both a core strategy and land allocations in place."