Campaigners are claiming victory after a 156-year-old tree was spared the chop.

The 50-ft horse chestnut was earmarked for felling as part of Faversham Tennis Club’s plans to build new courts at the town’s recreation ground.

But this week, Swale Borough Council has stepped in to protect the plant by drawing up a tree preservation order in the wake of a huge backlash to the club’s proposals.

Mayor of Faversham Cllr Trevor Martin lauded campaigners’ efforts to save the tree.

“It’s a positive day for the community, showing what community spirit can do,” he told KentOnline.

“A lot of these mature trees have been here since the start.”

Plans were lodged with the borough council in October to cut down the tree, prompting a furious reaction from locals.

Activists branded the plan “elitist” amid fears it would “destroy part of Faversham’s heritage”.

And after more than 40 residents objected to the project, the local authority made its tree preservation order - which is effective immediately.

Volunteers from Swale Friends of the Earth were among those who objected to the plans.

Members Lib Owen and Bernie Mothes have welcomed the announcement.

Ms Owen described it as “brilliant, very good news”, while Mr Mothes added: “We haven’t got any beef with the tennis club, we’re happy if they can find a way of expanding without interfering with trees.

“We don’t have much time for plans to fell mature trees in public parks.”

Volunteer tree warden Victoria Dickenson believes the strength of local feeling towards the proposals shows “people are beginning to really wake up to how important these trees are”.

The horse chestnut is believed to have been planted in 1866, making it at least 156 years old depending on its age at the time.

Records show it was gifted to the recreation ground by Rev J.R. Cooke.

The 20-acre recreation ground itself falls in a conservation area, and was created in 1860 after a bequest by Henry Wreight.

The tennis club claims to have seen a 94% increase in junior members and a 24% increase in adult membership over the past year.

Plans were not submitted for the new courts, with the first step being to gain permission for the tree to be felled.

It previously rejected “any claims of elitism, and hoped a new court would encourage people to continue to sign up”.

The preservation order is provisional for six months, and objections can be made during this period.

The authority will then confirm whether the order will remain in place.

If it does, the plant will be permanently protected.

Faversham Tennis Club did not respond to requests for comment this week.