CONTROVERSIAL plans to prune trees which are alleged to be a hazard to aircraft flying into Southampton Airport are due to be heard by city planning chiefs on Tuesday.

Airport bosses want permission to trim 11 trees near the White Swan pub in Mansbridge Road and a pine tree growing at the end of Walsingham Gardens. All 12 are protected by tree preservation orders.

The British Airports Authority says that the trees need to be trimmed by four metres in height to allow aircraft to take off and land safely. But dozens of residents have objected to the proposals.