A MAN who claims a protected tree is damaging his garage has been denied permission to remove it.

A Mr Mackrell of Gort Road, Bournemouth, sought permission to have the silver birch tree in the garden of a neighbouring property cut down.

Officers said the council-owned tree was an "exceptional specimen" and imposed a Tree Protection Order (TPO), confirmed at a planning board meeting on Monday.

In a report discussed at the meeting officers said: "Mr Mackrell states that the constant dropping of debris from the tree, including deadwood and seed pods, contaminates the roof, gutters, downpipes, drains, soakaways, garden, car port, fish pond and flowerbeds at 8 Gort Road.

"Mr Mackrell also claims that the tree causes moss to build up on the roof of the dwelling."

The applicant claimed that debris blocking drains and gutters has led to water seeping into his property, causing damp and aggravating his health condition.

The council carried out work to remove dead wood and cut back the tree in September last year.

Officers claimed clearing falling debris from the tree was simply part of "regular property maintenance" and not sufficient grounds to remove the TPO.

"Likewise, repairs to internal structures such as car ports are also part of property maintenance and the problems described may not be entirely attributed to the tree.

"The clearance of gutters, downpipes, garden ponds, flowerbeds and drains is also part of regular property maintenance and the debris in question may not entirely originate from the silver birch."

At the meeting, Cllr Stephen Bartlett said: "I had a look at the tree, and I have to say the crown of the tree extends right over the roof of the house."

Cllr David Kelsey said: "It's one the council are keeping an eye on. We are already doing the best we can for that tree and making sure it isn't causing problems to neighbours."

Officers describe the tree as "isolated" and having "excellent visual amenity value" through its prominence.

"It is the only significant tree in the immediate vicinity and is exceptionally worthy of TPO protection."