New plans lodged to save three ancient oak trees
George Carden/BBCResidents in West Sussex hope three much‑loved oak trees can be saved after new plans were lodged.
An application for a proposed root barrier and canopy reduction could protect a 100‑year‑old oak in Cowfold that was at risk of felling.
A separate application in Billingshurst seeks consent to cut live roots of two protected oaks to underpin a nearby home, Horsham District Council confirmed.
"We welcome this positive outcome and thank the Save Cowfold Oaks group and local residents for their support," said Trevor Parsons, from Cowfold Parish Council.
All three trees were due to be felled on the instruction of insurance companies because they were affecting nearby properties.
Parsons said the council had "worked tirelessly" to find a solution that protected both the property and the 100-year-old Cowfold tree, known locally as Oakley.
Campaigner Gabi Barrett from Save Cowfold Oaks, who set up camp around the tree last year, said the group had long argued a root barrier could safeguard the home and the oak.
"All in all, this is a fantastic outcome for this much beloved tree," she said.
George Carden/BBCWorks will proceed only if the application is approved by Horsham District Council.
Insurance company Direct Line, which is responsible for the Cowfold property, said it was "unable to share specific details".
It added: "This is a complex matter and Direct Line has been working with Cowfold Parish Council to find a suitable solution."
Save Cowfold Oaks said it had long argued that a barrier would protect both the property and the oak, known locally as Oakley.
The group thanked residents for writing emails, signing petitions and turning out to support the campaign at short notice.
Barrett said trees were "an integral part" of who she was, adding: "It's up to us to be their guardians and protect them.
"When you have trees this huge they are such an important part of our spaces."
Trevor ChittendenHorsham District Council said the Billingshurst application sought consent to cut the live roots of two protected trees at Willow Drive to allow the foundations of a neighbouring property to be underpinned by a piled raft scheme.
AXA UK said the home in Willow Drive had been "subject to serious subsidence over a number of years caused by nearby tree roots".
It said: "Our priority has always been to find a solution which protects their home and resolves the situation as quickly as possible to prevent this serious subsidence from continuing."
AXA confirmed it had made the application "to trim some of roots of the oak trees and allow the property to be underpinned", adding: "We have been advised that this will not cause long-term damage to the trees concerned."
Billingshurst Parish Council said it has not been asked to comment because the planning application had not yet been validated.
Horsham District Council said the planning applications were "still under consideration" adding that "no further comment can be made at this stage".
