THE 1,000 trees planted in a Pinehurst field without permission will be allowed to stay.

Hreod Burna Urban Forest – led by chairman Steve Thompson – put the saplings on land between Cricklade Road and Pinehurst Road in December.

But now the parish’s leisure and amenities committee decided all the trees could remain apart from those within 10 metres of a gas main.

HBUF founding trustee Josie Lewis had called to the trees to be uprooted and is not happy with the decision.

“It’s a bit like robbing the bank then saying sorry and being allowed to keep the proceeds," she said.

“I’m just at a loss with the parish.

“HBUF is totally ignoring what the parish has been telling them and if the parish doesn’t do anything it doesn’t instil any confidence in them.”

She originally protested as the land is public open space for use as a sports ground or playing field and that permission had not been granted.

Central Swindon North Parish Council leases the land from Swindon Borough Council and HBUF subleases it, running it on the parish council’s behalf.

In a statement, its chairman Cllr Mick Lucas said: “We are confident the land is being used legally.”

The committee sought clarification of the definition of ‘open space’ as outlined in the Town & Country Planning Act 1990, as “any land used for the purposes of public recreation”.

Mr Lucas added: “The spirit of the laws highlighted to the council are there to ensure accessible and open land to be used by the public without building development or hindrance.”

The council believes the trees do fall within this.

He noted that HBUF has “failed in its duty to consult and follow due process in relation to requesting permission for further tree planting; for which they have apologised.

“Had the process been followed,” he said, “the decision we reach today would have been concluded in December 2019 and many of the concerns raised could have been addressed in advance.”

Referring to residents’ complaints at the loss of space for recreational activities Mr Lucas said: “The field will remain accessible for dog walking and there's ample adjacent open space for other activities.

Steve Thompson said: “I’m very happy the parish has decided this.

“HBUF has been totally vindicated in planting these trees.”