PLANS to fell a row of trees bordering a BMX track to prevent them damaging the surface have been approved by Bournemouth council.

The application was considered its planning committee on Monday due to rules which require any of its own schemes for the removal of seven or more trees to be approved by councillors.

They were told that unless they were chopped down, it would be impossible to carry out work to stabilise the BMX track at Iford Meadows.

The council says that root growth has caused the course’s surface to “ripple” and that the trees have also begun to damage banks in the track.

Following the felling work, it is planned to plant 12 new trees in three groups, further away from the track, to provide screening.

A report to the committee said: “Whilst it is regrettable to lose established trees which are publicly-visible and provide screening and visual amenity to the area, their removal is considered necessary to ensure the safety of users and spectators of the BMX track.

“The proposed replacement planting further away from the BMX track will ensure a better long-term relationship between the trees and the track.”

Ten other “poor quality” trees have already been removed by the council during recent routine thinning work.

Councillors agreed to approve the work at Monday’s planning board meeting.

Its vice-chairman, Cllr Malcolm Davies, said that it wouldn’t be long before “serious cracks” started to form in the track’s surface.

“This is an incredible facility,” he said. “They attract people from across the country there and hold national events.

“It’s [the trees] causing damage and it won’t be too long before serious cracks start to form.”

Councillors were told that it was likely that the trees would be removed in the coming weeks with the new trees planted over the winter.

Following this, the council says it will carry out “essential works” to stabilise an earth berm which supports the banked section of the track.