Nine Elms could be dubbed seven elms for three years after councillors approved a planning application for a raised garden that would remove two of the trees.

Plans for a raised garden in Bourne Valley Wharf were submitted by Wandsworth Council to its own planning committee and discussed by councillors on Monday evening.

The structure, described by committee chairman Cllr Sarah McDermott as an “art installation”, will feature a seating area on the ground floor and a garden on the first, with a water tower above it.

The proposal includes the removal of two elm trees, which will be stored and replanted at a “later date” according to the application.

There will be no public access to the garden, which Cllr Tony Belton called “pointless”.

Cllr Guy Humphries said he was concerned about the removal of the trees and asked for assurances that the trees would be looked after. He also moved to reduce the length of time permission for the garden was given from five years to three, which was passed.

Cllr McDermott said: “It will enliven this part of Nine Elms, it is more of an art installation.”

The application received 15 objections, with concerns about potential anti-social behaviour raised, as well as criticism that the structure lack architectural merit and would block views to the river and the US Embassy.

The application was approved for three years’ temporary permission.