A real estate firm involved in the planned redevelopment of the Meiji Jingu Gaien district of central Tokyo says it will postpone its plans to cut down and transplant trees at the site until at least early next year.

The project led by Mitsui Fudosan calls for the felling of 743 trees, all more than three meters tall. The developers previously said they planned to start in September by cutting down some 50 trees and transplanting about 90.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government, which has approved the project, has instructed the developers to conserve the trees as much as possible. It requested them on September 12 to submit a concrete review of their preservation policy before commencing the tree removal.

On Friday, Mitsui Fudosan officials visited the Tokyo government office.

They later told reporters that project operators will comply with the city's request. They said they will submit a review of their plans at the year-end or early next year. The decision will postpone the start of tree-felling and transplanting until at least the beginning of next year.

The officials also indicated they may reduce the number of trees to be cut down by altering the design of a new rugby stadium planned for the site.

The Mitsui Fudosan officials also referred to a heritage alert issued in early September by the UNESCO advisory panel, the International Council on Monuments and Sites, or ICOMOS.

The alert says the project will seriously impact the sustainability of the avenue of trees known as Gingko promenade, and calls for an immediate halt to the plan.

The officials acknowledged the panel's view and the need for a review of the tree preservation policy, but complained that ICOMOS had unilaterally issued its alert based on its own understanding.