The Scottish Government has intervened in favour of a north-east home being allowed to keep its trees.
An application to have the conifers chopped down to bring light back to Anvil Place in Crimond had been lodged with Aberdeenshire Council last year, but was thrown out after the local authority said they did not block the sun “significantly”.
However, trees, at Anvil Cottage, were branded dangerous by nearby resident Cheryl Cruickshank, who appealed to the Scottish Government in an attempt to have them trimmed.
In her application to the government’s planning appeals department, she said her family were left in “gloom” because of the 60ft trees.
She added: “They cast a substantial shadow over my rear garden and the rear of my house.
“In windy conditions, they move alarmingly and we all fear that they may come down.
“At times, because of the danger of them falling during windy conditions, I often have to take my children out of the rear-facing bedrooms and place them to the front of the house for their safety.”
However, the Scottish Government has ruled that the spruces should not be removed.
Reporter Michael Cunliffe said the trees were present at the site before the house was built.
He said: “While it has some effect on the enjoyment of the property, that effect is limited and is comparable with the conditions widely experienced in domestic gardens which still provide a reasonable level of enjoyment.”
He added that a tree surgeon agreed that the trees, in their present location, do not pose a risk, but conceded that they did block some sunlight.
Mr Cunliffe continued: “The hedge does cause some reduction in daylight, but only to a limited extent.
“Sunlight would only be obstructed for brief morning periods in high summer.”
Anvil Cottage is currently for sale for offers over £162,500.
