Bournemouth ice rink to stay open despite cherry tree controversy
Bournemouth’s ice rink has been allowed to stay open, in spite of advice to refuse planning permission over a cherry tree cut down without consent
A decision on whether the UK’s ‘longest ice rink’ should be removed from Bournemouth has been pushed back,
It comes after some councillors raised concerns about biodiversity, prompted when a cherry tree was cut down in the Lower Gardens.
The festive attraction, operated by Seventa Events and SKATE Events with backing from the Coastal and Town Centre BIDs, has become a major part of the town’s winter economy.
But its future was thrown into doubt after planning officers recommended refusal, citing insufficient ecological information and the removal of a cherry tree without permission.
The Lower Gardens are a Grade II listed park, with tight constraints on development due to flood risk and mature planting.
Officers told the committee the felling of the tree, undertaken by BCP Parks rather than the applicant, went against Biodiversity Net Gain rules.
Biodiversity Net Gain requires developers to leave nature in a better condition than before, often through substantial tree planting or habitat improvements.
Applicant Simon Smith said he had agreed to fund six replacement trees and stressed that the ice rink formed part of a wider Christmas programme that the council could no longer afford to run.
“There is a funding gap of around £200,000 which we are having to make up,” he said.
Business leaders urged councillors to back the scheme. Martin Davis of the Town Centre BID said the event was “key to some members getting through to next spring.”
Meanwhile, Cllr Matt Gillet pointed to the 2.5 million visitors drawn to the Christmas market in 2024.
But several councillors criticised the lack of ecological detail and the circumstances around the tree’s removal.
“If a resident was doing this, enforcement would be swift and serious,” said Cllr Sara Armstrong.
Cllr Bernadette Nanovo described the situation as “a serious breakdown in the planning process.”
Others expressed frustration that the application had become stuck on “this sodden tree,” as Cllr Michael Tarling put it.
Green councillor Kate Salmon proposed a deferral to allow more time to resolve outstanding Biodiversity Net Gain issues, a move supported unanimously.
The final decision will now be delegated to the Head of Planning, with a ruling expected before the next eastern planning meeting on 18 December.
The ice rink will continue operating in the meantime.