PLANS to fell two "decaying" trees under a protection order on a private school's grounds have been approved.

Proposals to remove two horse chestnut trees covered by Tree Protection Order at Tower College, on Mill Lane, Rainhill were sent to the council.

Permission was given for the plans.

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In a report, planning officer Julie Hine said: "The trees are suffering from decay and their removal will not harm the wider landscape with confirmation no replacement tree planting required on this occasion due to space and Ash dieback."

The work was given consent subject to the condition that "all work carried out on this tree should be carried out to British Standard BS 3998 (2010) with work only taking place between August 31 and the March 31 to avoid disturbance to breeding birds. 

"Any work outside this period can only be carried out if the tree is first inspected to ensure there are no breeding birds present."