RESIDENTS of an exclusive block of flats overlooking Harrogate's famous Stray have joined forces to fight plans for a tree preservation order in their grounds.

Harrogate Borough Council wants to confirm a provisional tree preservation order covering three well-established Norway maples in the grounds of Clifton House, off Stray Road.

The move followed a plea to fell one maple tree.

Meanwhile, a firm of chartered surveyors has written to the council raising an official objection to the preservation order on behalf of residents.

And now seven residents of the flats have also individually opposed the proposed plan, due to be heard by members of Harrogate Council's planning committee on Thursday.

One residents writes: "We only want to fell the largest of the Norway maples.

"This would still leave two well-formed and highly visible trees."

Other residents complain about blockage of natural light, concern over expanding roots, fear of subsidence and the closeness of the trees to the flats.

But council planning officer Phil Jewkes said, following consultation with the council's tree officer, felling one of the Norway maples would be unacceptable.

The tree expert pointed out that a split in the tree residents wanted axing had been caused by a sudden growth.

But he added that the tree would be able to cope with such damage by producing "wound wood."

The expert's report said the group of three Norway maples, at the side of the flats, were clearly visible to the public, and were collect- ively considered visually important because they helped to soften the impact of the modern flats.

Mr Jewkes said no evidence of structural damage had been submitted to the council and it was not considered that reduction of light into the homes was enough to allow felling.

Mr Jewkes recommendsed that the three trees, which are in a conservation area, should be preserved.