CAMPAIGNERS have won a battle to save mature trees on the site of a proposed shops and business complex.

A planning inspector ruled protective fencing should be kept around trees on land off Vivary Way, Colne.

Developer Greenfield Park, based at the Foulridge home of businessman Graham White, appealed against three conditions imposed by Pendle Council on outline planning permission.

The inspector decided two of the conditions, requiring no major work to be carried out within 11 metres of the trees and for smaller units to be restricted to the side of the site where the trees are, were not necessary.

"The inspector removed two conditions because he felt the third one, which requires the tress to be fenced off, will adequately protect the trees," explained council planning officer Janet Holland.

"That will give the authority control over what happens within the fenced off area.

"When full planning application comes councillors can decide whether any of the trees can go or whether the development will have to fit around them."

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