EMERGENCY action was taken to halt tree-felling in the New Forest.

The New Forest National Park (NPA) denied trees were felled illegally to make way for a proposed new house in the grounds of Sway Lodge, Sway. However, an NPA spokesman confirmed that a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) was issued as soon as the authority was made aware of the felling.

The NPA's planning committee approved proposals to build a large detached property on the site off Brighton Road. Members were told that the application had resulted in 16 letters of protest. Objectors said important trees had been felled and claimed the NPA would be "condoning illegal action" if it approved the application, according to a report to the committee.

The report added: "Until recently there was significant vegetation on the site. Much of this was removed, which did involve the felling of mature trees. The site is now the subject of a Tree Preservation Order, which was made in response to the felling."

Bob Hull, representing the applicant, said: "Some felling was carried out but the trees were poor quality specimens that were not subject to TPOs."

The application was approved without debate.

After the meeting an NPA spokesman said: "The applicant has not contravened any laws and we are hoping to secure the planting of new trees on the land."