RESIDENTS are celebrating after winning the first round of a battle to save an orchard from development.

The Irvine Road Area Residents Association feared the orchard might be targeted by developers wanting to build homes.

They argued the orchard was a vital green lung in urban Colchester.

But now Colchester Council has put a tree preservation order on the orchard.

Christ Church councillor Nick Cope said, while the battle was not won, it was a significant step forward.

He added: “You could call it 15-love to us.

“The officer made the judgement based on the local development plan which has allocated the orchard as a wildlife area.

“The tree perservation order means it is not permissable to take a tree down without permission from the council.”

Will Emrich, vice-chairman of the residents’ association, said the group was committed to trying to save the orchard.

He added: “This orchard is more than 100 years old. It is one of only two urban orchards in Colchester and one of only half a dozen in Essex.

“Our immediate concern was we would wake up one morning to the sound of bulldozers pulling the orchard down.

“The officer said there was no doubt the orchard qualified for a tree preservation order and we are now asking people to submit representations as the council is required to confirm this.

“We are working hard to ensure the council does stick to the planning legislation.

“The area is designated as private green space and there is a strong feeling the orchard should be protected.”

Mr Emrich, who lives in Irvine Road, said the orchard was rich in wildlife with stag beetles, great crested newts, deer, foxes and a variety of birds, insects and small mammals.

The residents’ association successfully fought to save the neighbouring Irvine Road Field from development in 2009.