A High Court judge has ruled that work to cut a row of protected trees should not have taken place.

16 ancient lime trees were removed in February 2023 to prepare for the expansion of a large road leading to a new housing development in Wellingborough.

Despite a Tree Preservation Order, the now dissolved Borough Council of Wellingborough granted planning permission in 2008.

Around 50 trees on London Road, believed to be between 100 and 400 years old, had been scheduled for felling.

Wellingborough Walks Action Group celebrated the “amazing” victory after more than a year of Save Our Trees campaigning which saw members arrested.

Marion Turner-Hawes, Chair of the WWAG, said: “This is an incredible victory for the people of our town.”

“We have taken on the council and the developer and shown them that our heritage, our environment, and our communities, are at the heart of who we are and what is important to us.”

“We are determined that our natural heritage needs to be cherished and protected.”

Jonathan Hornett, Wellingborough Eco Hub, said: "We feel totally vindicated for standing in front of the lorries and for climbing the trees."

A judicial review was held at the High Court earlier in May between the WWAG, North Northamptonshire Council, and Stanton Cross Developers.

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Deputy High Court Judge Dan Kolinsky KC said the council was “incorrect” in its approach to authorising the work.

He said the court rejected “contentions that no further approval was needed for the felling of protected trees.”

The developer recently submitted new planning applications to the council, for which the deputy judge said the authority must determine approval.

The WWAG is urging locals to raise concerns.

More than 3,650 homes are being built at the £1bn Stanton Cross development.

Jason Smithers, Conservative Leader of the Council, said: “We acknowledge that mistakes have been made. We are determined to learn from this.

“Like many councils, we need to recognise the need for new housing developments and growing the local economy while at the same time, safeguarding local communities and protecting the environment.”

A spokesperson for Stanton Cross said: “While delivering on our responsibility to build the necessary infrastructure to support the Stanton Cross development we are committed to preserving and enhancing the environment wherever possible.”

It added: “We will be working closely with NNC to assess next steps following the outcome of the judicial review.”

Marion Turner-Hawes, from the WWAG, said: “We know many people need new and affordable housing and facilities, it’s just how we enable that whilst retaining our natural and community heritage and safeguarding our beautiful environment.”