It is absolute nonsense to say Barnet Council fails to protect trees from developers (Turning a new leaf', Times Opinion, June 5).

The council is committed to protecting and enhancing our borough and this includes, when necessary, the use of tree preservation orders where private development is planned.

This excellent work is sustained by the enforcement department, which has successfully prosecuted private developers for felling or damaging protected trees.

The suggestion that the council is somehow in cahoots with private developers in a bid to share profit is astonishing. Every planning application is dealt with on its own merits and is judged by local and national standards.

This borough retains its outstanding reputation for being a clean and green environment for people to live and work in.

Councillor Daniel Webb, assistant cabinet member for planning and environment protection