A NEW application seeking to trim a tree on a church's grounds that surround a street light and traffic sign has been submitted.

The Star previously reported after proposals to remove the lower branches of a "protected" tree were sent in.

The application was sent in by Father Michael Harwood, of St Thomas of Canterbury to St Helens Council's planning department.

Permission was being sought to carry out the work on an oak tree at St Thomas of Canterbury Roman Catholic Church, on Dentons Green Lane, which is covered by a Tree Preservation Order.

The initial application has attracted an objection from a trees and woodlands officer. 

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The proposals have since been withdrawn and a new application seeking permission for "pruning of the branches that directly impede the street light" has been sent in.

St Helens Star: The tree in the church groundsThe tree in the church grounds (Image: St Helens Council Planning Portal)

The application form states: "The intended works of the Oak tree T1 in the diagram will be to carry out targeted pruning of the branches that directly impede the street light, the pruning would be restricted to within the crown".

The plans are on standard consultation to the public until Wednesday, November 22, with a decision expected by December 22.