A decision on plans for Bournemouth Christmas Wonderland has been delayed after the application was referred back to council officers for further work.
The temporary winter event in the Grade II listed Lower Gardens was submitted in June and went through consultation in July and August.
The matter was sent to committee after it was discovered in September that a cherry tree had been removed. Before the meeting, Councillor Mike Cox said officers were required to recommend refusal due to how national biodiversity legislation applied to the case.
The application was deferred by the eastern planning committee and a decision is expected by eighteen December.
Councillor Stephen Bartlett, who objected to the plans, said his concerns centred on repeated damage caused to the listed gardens. He said several internal consultees and The Gardens Trust also raised issues.
He alleged that the removal of a tree at the request of the applicant affected how legislation was applied and suggested this may have amounted to an improper arrangement. He said he supports Christmas events but believes there are alternative locations for an ice rink.
BCP Council said the issue was fully discussed at committee and that concerns should be raised through the proper process.
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