CITY of York Council has given the go-ahead for a tree in the Museum Gardens to be cut down.

A row grew up over plans to fell the cedar of Lebanon, which was planted by Sarah Ferguson during her visit to the city in 1989, after York Museums Trust (YMT) made an application stating that it is on sensitive archaeological remains and is inappropriate aesthetically as it blocks views in the gardens.

But some argued that the application was only made because a seating stand for The Mystery Plays was so close to the tree it blocked some of the view.

However the YMT has said it will not cut the tree down until after the plays but did intend to “prune” it to allow access to the seats.

Explaining the council decision, landscape architect Esther Priestly said in a letter that the tree will grow to a size of approximately 20m height and 15m spread which will hide part of the abbey remains.

She said that in the original design of the garden in the 1840s, the plan was to create a circular walk that would take in the best views – with the abbey being of primary importance. She noted that a suitable replacement tree could be planted elsewhere in the garden.

Guildhall councillor Brian Watson said: “They could have left it. I don’t believe it conflicts with any plans.

“The Good Lord giveth and the Trust taketh away.”

The Mystery Plays will run from Thursday to August 27.