The Lake District National Park Authority is investigating an allegation of illegal tree felling in Windermere. 

Lucy Saunders, the trees and woodland officer for the Lake District National Park Authority said: "I can confirm that we are investigating the allegations of illegal tree felling within Windermere Conservation Area. 

"We are, unfortunately, unable to offer further information that this at this time due to the sensitivity of potential information."

Planning decisions fall under the Lake District National Park Authority. Windermere is also in a conservation area, which means it has extra planning regulations. 

Conservation Areas are defined as areas of 'special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance.' 

Trees within Conservation Areas are protected, which means that anyone proposing to cut down or carry out work on a tree must give six weeks prior notice. 

This allows the authority to determine if the tree should have a Tree Preservation Order (TPO). The cutting down of a TPO tree without consent is a criminal offence which can result in an unlimited fine.