Paulton residents have been speaking out to protect a sycamore tree in the village thought to be over two hundred years old.

Developers want to build 2 two storey homes on green space at Somerset Way, Paulton, on land that is thought to be protected by a 2003 Section 106 agreement which meant this remaining green space would never be built on. The agreement allowed 36 homes to be built, seventeen years ago.

Many residents have objected to the plans, concerned the protected tree would not survive building work nearby and that it would disrupt bats, owls and sparrowhawks that use it.

In planning documents, Paulton Ward Councillor for B&NES, Liz Hardman, asked for the application to be brought before the B&NES Planning Committee. She said it is “a much loved piece of green land” and that “Paulton has the lowest coverage of trees anywhere in B&NES.”

Paulton Parish Council have also objected to the development.