Residents in Pool-in-Wharfedale are celebrating saving an historic tree that was set to be axed as part of a new development.

Leeds planners had been advised to approve felling the 60-year-old protected chestnut tree at the entrance to Whitegates, off Arthington Lane, as part of plans to build a new house.

But Leeds Plans Panel (West) heard from Pool Parish Councillor Pam Calvert that the tree was an important rural feature' and a natural traffic-calming device.

Leeds City Council's highways officers had recommended felling the tree - and adding passing places to the driveway - to improve road safety to cope with extra vehicle movements from the new house.

The plan had been submitted by Whitegates owner Nick Walton and his wife, who told the panel they planned to move into a four-bedroomed house to be built in their garden.

Chairman Councillor Colin Campbell (Lib Dem, Otley and Yeadon) said they did not agree with the tree's removal.

The panel agreed, and the decision was deferred and delegated to officers.