Felling of rather tall trees has started in the redevelopment of the Meiji Jingu Gaien district of central Tokyo amid local residents' opposition.

The redevelopment started at the area in March last year. The developers did not cut down trees taller than 3 meters, as the Tokyo Metropolitan Government asked them to review the way of dealing with such trees.

Last month, the developers submitted a new plan, including reducing the number of tall trees to be cut down. The Tokyo government judged that the plan would not have a significant impact on the environment.

On Monday, workers felled trees considered too weak to be transplanted. One was lifted by a crane and taken away in a trailer.

Dozens of protesters at the site shouted, "Save the trees."

A senior official at one of the developers, real estate firm Mitsui Fudosan, said some people oppose the redevelopment, but that the firms have held explanatory meetings.

He added that he hopes to show the significance of the project for the next 100 years, as well as an improved future image of the area.