Eastleigh Borough Council has secured its largest ever fine and costs totalling over £68,000 after a local landowner cut down some trees.
The council successfully prosecuted Mr James Barney following unauthorised tree works carried out on trees covered by a Woodland Tree Preservation Order in April 2021.
The prosecution was brought by the council under the Town & Country Planning Act 1990, as Mr Barney had unlawfully cut down a number of trees including oak, ash, birch, hawthorn and poplar within Scorey’s Copse.
The judge fined Mr Barney £50,0000 plus he was also ordered to pay the Council’s costs of £17,841 and a victim surcharge of £190 – a total in excess of £68,000.
Cabinet lead for environment Cllr Rupert Kyrle: ‘I’m absolutely delighted that we have secured a successful prosecution. Our planning enforcement and legal teams worked together to bring about this prosecution that sends a strong message that you shouldn’t mess with our trees or we will be after you.’
