DOZENS of trees in ancient woodland in Southampton are to be chopped down.

Sixty individual trees at Marlhill Copse will be axed along with another 37 trees part of small groups.

The news comes as experts found the trees pose a risk to the public and nearby properties.

The decision was taken by civic chiefs at Southampton City Council after Southampton Airport - which owns the land - put the plans forward.

As previously reported, last year plans to fell some trees at the site proved to be controversial and an initial decision made by council officers  was quashed following a row between city leaders and campaigners.

At the meeting of the Planning and Rights of Way Panel held on Tuesday night , councillors were told that most of the trees set to be cut down are infected with Ash die back.

A council officer said the trees expected to be felled amount to less than 1% of the entire woodland.

This time no-one  objected to the plans.

Councillors were also told that the trees will be replaced.

Officers told the panel that the plans will not have any impact on the character of the area.

Cllr Lisa Mitchell, chair of the panel, said: “It is a real shame when we lose trees. I think on balance - because of the Ash die back and some of the safety concerns- we have to go with the officers recommendation. Although 60 trees seems like a lot it is a very small proportion of the woodland itself and hopefully the effects would be mitigated somewhat by that.”

A representative of Southampton Airport said: “This Planning and Rights of Way decision relates to a plan to fell a number of trees that have been deemed as dangerous by an independent arboricultural consultant – the vast majority are Ash trees suffering from dieback disease. The proposed felling is necessary to ensure public safety – as the trees run along the A27 and close to properties on Hill Cottage Gardens. The plan does not relate to aerodrome safeguarding and is not connected to our Woodland Management Plan.”

Work is expected to start next month.