A CENTURY-old tree that wealthy residents of one of the region’s most exclusive streets wanted felled so they could have a clearer view of Durham Cathedral appears to have been saved from the axe.

Homeowners on plush South Street, Durham asked Durham County Council for permission to chop down a towering Lawson Cypress they say obscures their view of the 900-year-old World Heritage Site – and won the backing of Durham Cathedral, which owns the land under its ancient boughs.

But the prospect of felling horrified others, who launched a passionate campaign to save the 100-year-old conifer, which they dubbed ‘Elsee'.

Their online petition attracted more than 100 signatures and the council has now refused the felling application – and protected Elsee for the future by making a Tree Preservation Order.

The Cathedral has 28 days to object to the Order, so campaigners are not celebrating just yet.

But for any objection to be successful, the Cathedral would have to present new evidence not already considered by the council when it made the Order originally.

In a letter to Olivers Tree Services, Stuart Timmiss, the council’s head of planning and assets, said: “I can confirm that the council raise objection to the above proposed works and will serve a Tree Preservation Order accordingly in the interests of preserving the tree for its amenity value to the surrounding area.”

John Holmes, the Cathedral's head of property, said: "We accept Durham County Council’s decision to issue a Tree Preservation Order to prevent the felling of the tree and take our responsibility to tree stewardship very seriously."

Elsee’s supporters appealed to the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Bishop of Durham and the Dean of Durham for their backing.

On a campaign website, they wrote: “Elsee is not native to Durham. She is just like most of us: trying to grow... and bloom where she is planted. But because she is a conifer, she has been labelled as non-native and not important.

“How long before we honour her with the status of friend? How long does she have to live in a place, like other refugees (or like you and me) before she is allowed to be sure she belongs? Is nearly 100 years not enough?

“She is being accused of blocking the neighbours’ view of the Cathedral. But should they not feel blessed that they, like the words of John Muir, get to behold one of God’s first temples?”