Councillors have been recommended to authorise a special order protecting a township tree.

Hyndburn Council's planning committee has been asked to take the measure to look after an oak in Water Street, Great Harwood.

It follows requests from residents for a permanent tree protection order, or TPO.

In an officer's report to the meeting on Tuesday, Katy Morley, the authority's arboricultural and conservation officer, says: "I recommend the protection of an oak tree at Water Street, Great Harwood, through the use of a Tree Preservation Order (TPO).

"In August 2019 a resident of Windsor Road rang to ask for a TPO on the oak tree on the land at Water Street.

"The resident had previously emailed the council concerned trees were being felled and that specifically the oak tree should be retained as workmen had removed some branches.

"The council’s arboricultural officer, with the council's ecology officer, visited the site on August 20, 2019, and found the tree had been poorly pruned but not to a degree in which it was permanently damaged, and that it would recover.

"A temporary TPO was put on the oak tree but this has now expired.

"In July 2023 another resident rang to ask why the tree had not been protected and wanted a TPO to be put on the tree as they felt it was worthy of retention.

"The council’s arboricultural officer visited the site on August 15, 2023, and believed that on the basis of the contribution the tree made to the character, appearance and amenity of the area, the tree would benefit from being protected.

"Given the nature of the work that had been undertaken to the tree that resulted in the complaint, it is considered there is a 'foreseeable' threat to the tree.

"This tree has had poor pruning in the past probably due to the removal of branches low over the road but has now recovered enough to make a well-balanced tree.

"It is visible to the public and it is important that when pruned again it is not pruned in the same way as before.

"Therefore getting it protected will allow any further work to be carried out in a more harmonious way.

"This tree is in good condition at the time of inspection a good shape and form.

"This tree makes a significant contribution to the character and appearance of the area but if not protected it could be open to indiscriminate pruning or felling."