A PLANNING inspector says he has nothing against the demolition of a large house in March - but is concerned that trees could be felled in the process. Keiron Dunn concluded there was no reason get rid of the trees and he refused consent for the house to

A PLANNING inspector says he has nothing against the demolition of a large house in March - but is concerned that trees could be felled in the process.

Keiron Dunn concluded there was no reason get rid of the trees and he refused consent for the house to be knocked down and seven homes built on the site.

Enver Ozetem had hoped to demolish Woodcroft at 82 The Avenue and the Government planning inspector thought the home "contributes little to the character and appearance of the street scene".

But because the new homes would be close to another large house, Neale-Wade Community College and St Wendreda's Church, all with mature landscaped settings, it would be wrong to allow this development.

"The illustrative layout indicates there would be little space between the proposed houses and existing trees," says Mr Dunn.

"There would likely be damage to trees during construction and pressure from future occupants to fell trees due to shading and limited for providing replacement planting."

Mr Dunn added: "Therefore, I consider that the proposal would result in an unacceptable loss of vegetation.

"I am of the opinion that it would not be possible to prepare a layout of seven dwellings that reflects the important contribution the appeal site makes to the street scene."

Mr Dunn dismissed the appeal against Fenland Council's refusal of permission for the demolition.

He said existing trees and hedges contributed to the overall character of The Avenue, one of the main routes into town.