Twickenham MP, Munira Wilson, is backing efforts to save a mature eucalyptus tree from being drastically cut back by developers.

She visited a team from the Friends of Twickenham Green who are fighting to protect the tree and prevent building on the surrounding area.

The site is known as the backlands behind the Prince Albert pub, Hampton Road, and the towering eucalyptus can be seen from Twickenham Green.

Richmond Council approved the felling of five trees on the land shortly before Christmas, despite objections from more than 50 residents and a protest. Subsequently, councillors said they did not have the legal powers to save the trees.

The owner of the site is now bidding to remove a significant proportion of a remaining eucalyptus tree, which is covered by a Tree Preservation Order. Residents fear this is part of an effort to clear the site by stealth ahead of putting in a planning application to build.

Following a meeting with the community group, the MP said: "I met with representatives of Friends of Twickenham Green about the unwelcome removal of several trees that has already happened in a conservation area behind Hampton Road.

"I share their concerns about the last remaining tree, and hope that with suitable guidance from the council, the owners of the land will look after it appropriately, so that this beautiful and important tree is able to be preserved for years to come, and that no more ecological damage is done to the area."

The official environment group, Habitats & Heritage, has objected to any building on the site. Aside from hedgehogs, amphibians, nesting bird sites, invertebrates, including stag beetles, the site has significant ecological value because it is used by a variety of species of bats.

The charity is officially designated with the role of caring for the natural and historic environment and climate in south and west London.

Howard Roberts, who represents the Friends of Twickenham Green on environment issues, has led the fight to protect the trees. He has urged residents to object to a planning application to cut back the eucalyptus.

"This stunning eucalyptus, has a Tree Protection Order (TPO) on it, and we urge everyone to ensure that this time the Council does their job, and listens to the residents," he said.

Local councillors have made clear that they want the application to go to the planning committee, where it would be decided by councillors, rather than being left to officials.