PLANS to build two homes in a protected woodland have run into strong opposition.

City of York Council has been sent a petition signed by more than 30 residents of Fulford Park.

It voices concern about the proposals to build two large houses in a walled garden and woodland at the back of Fulford Lodge, bordered by Fulford Park and Fenwicks Lane.

Part of the land is covered by a tree preservation order, dictating that development is not allowed.

But, according to residents, some tree felling has already taken place.

A spokesman said: "We were told that the woodland was in a conservation area and no trees could be felled without permission.

"Eighteen months later, we awoke to the sound of chainsaws one Saturday morning and tree felling took place without our prior knowledge. We were told that consent had, in fact, been given but, erroneously, the council failed to notify us."

The neighbours are also concerned about an entrance road that would be needed, and which would go through a boundary wall surrounding the land.

The spokesman said: "We have serious and significant objections to a breach in an historic wall, with such a fine mature tree line behind it, giving access to the site."

He said it would also add to traffic problems in the area.

The council's area planning sub-committee will consider the application when it meets today.

Members will be told that a previous plan for more houses has been amended to only two.

Development control officer Roger Armistead said: "The site is capable of development for housing without harming the character of the conservation area or severely affecting the amenity of adjacent residents.

"The proposal for two houses is preferable in this case to the alternative of more houses to a high density in order to protect the character of the area and minimise the increase in traffic."

Councillors will be recommended to give the scheme permission.

Updated: 15:00 Thursday, November 15, 2001