The council has approved plans to protect a 16 metre high tree despite objections from businesses.

A tree preservation order will be put on a lime tree which stands outside Abbey Quilting in Selina’s Lane, Dagenham, the development control board agreed at a meeting last night. The order prevents the company from cutting it down.

In a report, which went before the board, firms Abbey Quilting. I.D Morris and Sons, and SEON, in Selina’s Lane, say the tree could damage property, reduces the visibility of road users and causes flooding by dropping leaves into the gutters and blocking them.

Abbey Quilting claims keeping the tree will mean it cannot turn the area in to a car park, which could affect the company’s plans to let a part of its building.

The council, however, says the tree cannot cause damage to property as it is four metres away from all buildings, does not reduce visibility of road users and reduces flooding because it cuts the amount of surface water run-off.

Owner of I.D Morris and Sons, Bret Morris, said he was disappointed by the decision to approve the order: “This is an industrial area, so I don’t see why the tree has to stay. I know it is causing Abbey Quilting problems, and I think they should be allowed to cut it down.”