A property owner was slapped with a massive bill for chopping down “historic” trees without permission.
The owner of a former chapel in Leicestershire has been fined £2,400 after hacking down two historic yew trees without permission.
Benjamin Paget faced the costly consequences because the trees were an “original, historic feature” of the chapel, which is in a conservation area.
It isn't apparent if Mr Paget didn't know of the common condition, or simply thought he could get away with it.
A local resident realised Mr Paget had removed the landmark trees and reported him to Melton Borough council.
With support from Leicestershire County Council, the 41-year-old was investigated and ultimately charged for the offence.
He pleaded guilty at Leicester Magistrates’ Court to removing the trees without prior approval from the council.
The trees had been in the front garden of the property in Great Dalby, which is currently under consideration to convert it into a home.
But it lay under a conservation area - these aim to protect the architectural and historic interest of a place.
Trees are said to make an important contribution to the character of an area, and are given special protection in conservation areas as a result.
Magistrates ordered Mr Paget to pay a fine of £500 per tree, plus a £400 surcharge and £1,000 in costs.
Leicestershire Live reported Councillor Alison Freer, portfolio holder for climate, said after the sentencing: “We are satisfied with the outcome of this successful prosecution. We take enforcement matters very seriously as they impact on the local, natural environment and history of the borough.
"We are keen to uphold and promote a robust but fair planning enforcement regime to ensure people are not flouting the planning rules and damaging the borough.
“We will continue to take action when these are being breached and encourage people to seek planning advice before going ahead with work, otherwise they risk criminal proceedings/action.”
Great Dalby’s conservation area was first designated in 1981, with the borough council’s official conservation appraisal of the village reading: “Great Dalby is an attractive small village located on a hillside set in undulating countryside some three miles south of Melton Mowbray.”
It adds: “Trees and other greenery including boundary hedges and garden areas are widespread within the street scene with mature trees framing views along the street.”
The council has urged residents to follow planning rules, offering advice and guidance on its website if people are unsure if work they are doing to their home needs permission.
