GOVERNMENT big-wig Lord Sainsbury has upset neighbours after gaining permission to take a chainsaw to 16 rare and ancient trees.

Science Minister Lord Sainsbury, who owns Turville Park Estate in Turville Heath, has been granted permission by Wycombe District Council to chop down the lime trees which are 260-years-old.

The council granted permission on grounds of maintaining safety along the renowned avenue of trees on the approach to Turville village. The trees, planted in 1740, are protected by tree preservation orders, in the green belt and in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The planning decision has angered some residents who called in an independent arboriculturist for a second opinion

Resident Phillip Arnott, of Turville Heath, said: "The number of surviving limes of this type in the world is quite limited so we have something of tremendous value in Turville Heath that should be preserved like an antique."

But the plan is supported by Turville parish and Wycombe district councils.

David Taylor, a forestry consultant for Lord Sainsbury, said: "This is part of a rolling programme by Lord Sainsbury to restore the avenue to its former glory. The underlying issue is one of public safety. Most of those trees are in a terrible condition on a public highway and we have a legal obligation which is why we are taking such serious action."

He said the trees would be replaced by 10ft limes grown from the original stock.

John Morris, Chiltern Woodland Project manager, said: "Limes are very rare in the Chilterns. They are not something you come across in the woods around here."

A spokesman for Wycombe District Council said: "Consent has been granted for the work to maintain the long-term health of the avenue and to maintain safety."

February 14, 2002 13:38