A DISPUTE that "divided the community of Caerleon" is set to continue after the council said no to felling protected trees.

David Gilfillan, of Radford House, Broadway, asked the council if he could chop down a row of 21 trees bordering his back garden because he claims they block the sunlight.

But neighbour Dr Mary Reynolds, of Broad Towers, the owner of the trees, said the they are part of the area's heritage.

She said: "This has been five years of stress. We're grateful for this justice and for the people of Caerleon.

"We're proud we can preserve our heritage and privacy. If the trees had gone the area would have been denuded."

The trees - which are 30 ft to 40 ft tall - were subject to a protection order last year because they offer vital greenery in a conservation area. This week Newport council decided to continue to protect the Lawson Cypress trees.

Mr Gilfillan, 52, said: "We're very disappointed with the outcome and will appeal to the Assembly. The trees are higher than our garden is wide. By mid afternoon the whole garden is in shade.

"We cannot develop it to the same standard as the house, which we've spent four hard and expensive years renovating."

Councillor Miqdad Al-Nuami, chairman of the planning committee, said: "This is an issue that has divided the community of Caerleon."

The council received 27 letters backing the plans and 29 against. Caerleon Civic Society called for the felling of the trees, as did Caerleon ward councillors Paul Huntley and Cliff Suller, who supported Mr Gilfillan's plans to replace any felled trees.

Councillor Huntley, who sits on the planning committee, said of his visit to the site: "It was obvious that there is no benefit to the conservation area. "Within a mile radius of this site there have been no less than 26 cases of felling trees, including those that have a protection order. This has not divided the community, just a section of it."

The trees were planted as a partition when a larger house was split into Radford House and Broad Towers. Councillor David Hando said: "The trees are a delight. We've had the good sense to protect them."