Gargrave Parish Council is considering lowering the height of the village Christmas tree following concerns that the tree has grown too large for festive lighting to be installed.
During Wednesday’s council session, it was explained that the tree situated beside the A65 road is covered by a Tree Preservation Order.
This designation means the authority must seek approval from North Yorkshire Council before any work can commence.
Should the necessary consent be obtained, the village events committee has indicated it will cover the costs of the reduction in height, according to discussion at the meeting.
As an alternative approach, councillors heard that lighting could potentially be affixed to only a portion of the tree should the planning application be unsuccessful.
Members resolved to submit a planning application after being informed that no charges would apply, and to consult a qualified tree surgeon for professional assessment.
The clerk drew attention to the possibility that permission for cutting back the tree might face objections on the grounds that the specimen is in good health.
A member of the audience then contributed that trees of this particular variety develop shallow root systems and are vulnerable to being uprooted during strong gusts, raising the prospect that reduction in height may be warranted on safety grounds.