A pressure group claims the proposed felling of a mature tree on a busy road outside a Bristol school has been deliberately "buried in the small print" of a planning application.

The London Plane tree is currently outside the entrance to Colston's Girls' School in Cheltenham Road.

It is set to be removed as part of a £12 million revamp at the school, which was turned into a state-funded academy last September.

The work is being carried out by developer Skanska, which is working in partnership with the city council on rebuilding several schools in the city.

The pressure group, Bristol Street Trees, claims the planning application by the city council for a new art block and dining hall is misleading.

Bristol Street Trees' spokesman Vassili Papastavrou said plans for Colston's Girls' School showed the tree still standing after building work had finished.

He said it was only in small writing next to the drawing that it states the tree might have to be removed.

He said: "If they are going to remove the tree, they should be straightforward about it and not still show it after the building has been built.

"Secondly, they should be engaging the services of an arboriculturist to provide the reasons for keeping the tree, not taking it out.

"It is like they have made a case for the prosecution instead of the defence."

Mr Papastavrou said it was "great" to see so many of Bristol's schools being rebuilt.

But he said: "We ought to be carrying out this rebuilding programme in a way which respects the environment."

Skanska angered residents near Cotham School when four mature trees were felled to make way for a new rear entrance and access.

Cotham ward councillor Neil Harrison, who has demanded an inquiry into the felled trees at Cotham School, said: "Skanska is rapidly developing a reputation for axing landmark trees in Bristol.

"Considering that they promote themselves as an eco-friendly company, there seems to be a heavy dose of hypocrisy here."

The proposed art block and dining hall is part of a makeover at the school to accommodate rising pupil numbers.

It will include a studio theatre and music facilities as well as a sixth form café and study rooms.

Changes to the existing school include a new drop-in library and resource centre and revamping the Dolphin block to create new science labs.

The council's press office referred the Evening Post to Skanska for a response.

A spokesman for Skanska declined to comment.