A protected tree is to remain standing in Cheddleton after councillors voted to refuse an application aiming to cut it down.

Members of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council's planning committee have refused plans to fell a protected tree on Basford Bridge Lane in Cheddleton.

The tree, which is pictured, can be found on the corner of Basford Bridge Lane and The Croft.

The application to fell the tree was recommended for refusal by the district council's planning officers for several reasons.

They found that the tree was "readily and prominently visible" from the road and positively contributed to the character of the area.

They added that the damage to the tree was not sufficient enough to remove it, saying: "The application and submitted Arboricultural Survey and Safety Report do not demonstrate that the defects noted in the tree mean the tree poses an unacceptable risk.

"The bark damage and decay in the stem appear superficial and currently do not appear to have a significant detrimental effect on the safety of the tree. The condition of the tree recorded in the Arboricultural report is 'Fair' and this assessment was confirmed by the site visit."

They also noted that certain areas of dead wood and branches on the tree could be removed without the need for permission to fell the entire tree.

The report also stated: "The submitted Arboricultural report and our site visit both recorded fire damage to this protected tree. The damage to the tree trunk and dead lower branches both appear to be caused by bonfires being lit in close proximity of this tree. Causing damage to a protected tree is an offense and may lead to prosecution and a fine."

Cllr Stephen Ellis commented at the meeting: "The tree was sound and had a visual impact from the top of the road and looking up it. There are no obvious signs of damage and the works that have been requested can be carried out without permission anyway."

Councillors then voted unanimously to refuse the application to fell the tree.