A PETITION of nearly 60 names was submitted to Ilminster Town Council last week in a bid to protect some trees.

Residents were angered by a planning application put forward by John Madge to build a house on land in The Heights because they felt it would put nearby trees at risk.

Clive Lawrence, of New Road, whose home is close to the site, handed a petition boasting 59 signatures to the council's planning committee last Tuesday.

"This planned house is not in-keeping with other homes in The Heights and I think it would harm the trees," he said. "I personally don't want to lose my trees and they are already here and this house isn't."

Council clerk Steve Fisher said a similar application made 12 months ago was thrown out on the grounds the development could damage trees and there was inadequate turning facilities for access. He said preservation orders had since been placed on two trees at the site.

"The new application has looked to address the two issues from last time and the district's tree officer now says the application is appropriate," he said.

Richard Goddard, of Wiltshire-based agents Creative Estates, said in a report the house would make efficient and effective' use of the land.

"The size of the plot and proposed house would be in proportion with neighbours on New Road and The Heights," he said. "No trees will need to be removed as a result of the building and measures will be put in place to protect two adjoining trees."

But Ilminster's Deputy Mayor, Cllr Margaret Excell, said: "This just won't fit in with the area. Putting this house here is just infilling. This is happening more and more now where people are building houses in their gardens. It won't be long before there aren't any gardens."

Councillors agreed to object to the application.