The tree was removed to make space for a Christmas ice rink that never received planning permission. Mr McKinstry said: “In 2025 Bournemouth Christmas Company Limited provided an ice rink and various other attractions in the lower gardens area. The contract cited the need for planning approval, what penalties were imposed on the company for breaching these requirements because the ice rink never did receive planning permission. And was nay separate penalty imposed following the removal of a cherry tree from the proposed ice rink site.” “Annual billing is undertaken in August each year following the completion of the garden reinstatement works relating to the ice rink.