Barrow Borough Council is using tree preservation orders as part of a plan to preserve green spaces.

The council has rejected the first set of plans for 11 new houses to be built on Crompton Drive in Dalton.

The authority’s planning committee refused the application from Moorsolve Pension Scheme as the formation of new access would harm the character of a well-loved green area.

Councillors Les Hall and Bill  McEwan pushed for the application to be refused and said a new tree preservation order should be placed on all of the trees along that stretch of Abbey Road.

It is thought to be the first time that such a move has been taken.

A fresh application by the developer is expected by the next meeting in October.