Havant-based Home Housing Group had sought permission to fell the nine trees protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO), part of a group in Outram Way, Hunston.

It planned to replace them with more 'suitable species' after a tree survey revealed they needed to be repaired and regularly maintained to thrive.

Surveyors Technical Arboriculture Ltd recommended either the necessary work was carried out or they were replaced with a more 'suitable species'.

Father-of-two Mark Chapman, of Foxbridge Drive, was delighted with the news but claimed that if Chichester District Council had taken on responsibility for the trees in the outset instead of passing it over to Home Housing Group, the issue of felling the trees would not have arisen.

"At the back of my house, there is a sycamore tree that I pay for to manage and maintain – £200 it cost this year," he said.

"Residents and myself contend these poplar trees must be similarly managed by the council.

"It is astonishing public money has to be wasted processing a planning application for these trees when, if the council managed their responsibilities effectively and had monitored the trees properly, an application would not be necessary."

Fellow resident Derek Godsmark (82) said he could not understand why anyone would want to fell the trees.

"This is a group of nine long, tall poplar trees, mature and extremely attractive which have several other benefits except being green," he said.

"They shelter the estate from the main road both from noise and pollution and it just seems shocking to us that anyone should even think about wishing to destroy such a natural beauty."

Twenty-two neighbouring residents fired off letters to the council objecting to the proposals, and were delighted to hear that their protests have been listened to.

But one letter of support was also sent to the council.

In a statement the housing association said: "As a responsible housing provider our first duty must be the safety of our residents. Professional advice from a registered tree surgeon confirms that some of these trees do present a hazard which is why we applied to the local council for permission to cut some down."

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