A resident has been fined over £100,000 for illegally cutting down an ancient tree protected by a preservation order.
The lime tree situated in Claire Rands’ garden was 100 years old and guarded by a tree preservation order (TPO).
Due to fire hazard concerns, Mrs Rands submitted six planning applications with a view to have the tree felled over a decade ago, according to the Daily Mail.
However, she was unsuccessful and arranged for the lime to be felled, after which she replaced it with a new tree.
Newport City Council has now won a private prosecution case against Mrs Rands, following a 13-year legal challenge and recent magistrates court trial.
Judge Celia Hughes reportedly said Mrs Rands demonstrated ‘arrogance in blatantly ignoring the tree preservation order’, issuing her a penalty of £116,000 in total due to the breach of the order.
The council has been contacted for comment.
To read more about historic trees, check out: ‘Local landmark’ tree to be preserved in Battersea and Enfield threatens legal action over ancient oak felling.
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