A bid to preserve two fully grown plane trees in Burgess Hill has been rejected by local authorities as invalid.
The campaign sought to protect the trees situated at the Martlets shopping centre, which were scheduled to be removed with what supporters describe as no justification.
The original proposal involved clearing the trees to accommodate construction of 172 residential units, a cinema, accommodation, fitness facilities and ten-pin bowling by the development company New River.
However, a minor alteration to the scheme means a green space will now occupy that specific area, prompting locals to argue the trees deserve to remain standing.
The formal request was lodged with Mid Sussex District Council on August 10 by elected members Matthew Cornish, Paul Brown and Janice Henwood.
Council officials ruled the submission inadmissible on the grounds it concerned a planning application.
Anne Eves, the petition’s lead organiser, stated at a public protest in August that removing the trees served no purpose.
Following the council determination, she expressed disappointment but noted the communications from New River and the district council aligned with expectations.
She highlighted that 3,400 individuals had registered backing for preserving the trees, observing that residents of Burgess Hill frequently encounter situations where their formal submissions receive no consideration.
The issue will be brought before a full meeting of the district council on September 23, while Eves indicated she remains in dialogue with New River seeking an alternative resolution.
Through social media, the councillor commented that the council’s stance reflected what she termed a restrictively literal reading of standing orders.
The district council has been asked to provide a response.