TWO trees in a village's conservation area are to be cut down after councillors rejected proposals to make them the subject of preservation orders.

The beech trees stand in front of a cottage at The Holme, Great Broughton.

The homeowner had applied to have the trees removed, saying they caused a loss of light, damaged the footpath and interfered with telephone and electricity cables.

A provisional tree preservation order was placed on the trees by Hambleton District Council, but when the authority's development control committee discussed the matter yesterday, it decided not to confirm the order after hearing from the occupier.

Councillor David Webster said: "The beauty of the trees will be replaced by the beauty of the building behind, which will contribute just as much to the street scene."