Golf club faces investigation after cutting down protected trees to improve the views of a lake

A golf club is in a row with the council after it chopped down 36 protected trees so members could enjoy better views of a lake.

The trees, some of which were 70ft tall, provided shelter from the wind and privacy from golfers playing the first hole of the Parkstone Golf Course in Dorset, whose members include Harry Redknapp.

However players now look straight into the luxury properties which are close to Poole Harbour.

On the club's website it said the ongoing tree-felling was aimed at restoring the area to heathland, however, the 60 to 80-year-old pines were subject to a long-standing Tree Preservation Order (TPO) and any bid to remove the protected status had to go through the local authority.

An investigation has now been launched by Poole Borough Council after the actions of the golf club angered nearby residents, who claimed  members at the £1,725 a year club had been unhappy the trees obscured the view of the course's lake from the veranda of the club house.

Peter Norrie, 61, who bought his home near the course in August, said: "I'm absolutely gutted. I even offered to make a contribution if they replant.

"I only bought the house in August and it was a dream location, a wildlife haven. Now they've ruined the dream and I feel like I want to sell."

It is understood that the 109-year old club did ask the RSPB to apply for a Felling Licence from the Forestry Commission.

Andy Dearing, Poole Borough Council's planning enforcement officer, said he could only confirm they were investigating the "alleged unauthorised destruction of protected trees on land at Parkstone Golf Club".