Under a new ruling, residents will be able to speak in favour of – or against – Tree Preservation Orders at council planning meetings.

Those passionate about applications for buildings have long been allowed to address the planning committee for three minutes.

That scheme has now been extended to include tree orders.

Cabinet Member for Planning and Transport, Coun Don Mackenzie, says that the planning committee's 'Opportunity to Speak' scheme has operated successfully with planning applications for a number of years.

“The time is now right to extend this to Tree Preservation Orders," he said. "Increased requests for the opportunity to speak about Tree Preservation Orders coincides with new guidance issued late last year by the Government.

"Earlier guidance did not allow for people to speak at committee on Tree Preservation Orders but rather to make their thoughts known to councillors and officers before the meeting. With immediate effect, people will be able to address members of the planning committee and express their opinions in person."