THE felling of 10 mature lime trees on Kents Bank Road in Grange-over-Sands has angered residents and 'demolished community spirit'.

The trees were removed as part of an approved plan to build 64 houses on the Trickett's Field site.

The plans provoked protests from people who feared they would spoil the beauty of the area when they were submitted in 2014.

Judy Worrall, who lives in Grange, said: "There was a tremendous amount of opposition, some of it from national bodies like Network Rail, all of it ignored by South Lakeland District Council.

"We face the fact of it happening now, but many people still feel very angry about it."

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

Anke Green, a writer and translator who lives near the land which is to be developed, said: "These were perfectly healthy lime trees that had to make way for development.

"This should be a conservation area and should never have been built on.

"We are very upset and we have lost heart really. It's demolished the community spirit.

Some Grange residents are not completely against building on the land, and say that they would have been happy with low key buildings such as bungalows.

However, SLDC's decision to allow for larger buildings on the site, and to fell the trees, has left many feeling that their opinions on local issues are not valued.

Margaret Carter, who chose to retire to the seaside town because of the beauty of the area's green field sites, said: "This is not the only green space that's going. All our green spaces in Grange are going."

"What happened to the idea of big society where the local people are supposed to get a say?

"They consult and they ignore. It's just a box ticking exercise."

Cllr Mary Wilson, chairman of SLDC's Planning Committee, said: "The loss of the trees was a matter of concern but the detailed report from the arboricultural officer convinced members that, by removing the whole section of trees and re-planting further back, the avenue feature will actually be preserved for the future.

"He felt that the existing trees were at risk because of their age and condition and he was mindful that the preservation orders did not prevent highways authorities removing them at any time."