Mr Lee Mitchell of Broadwater Crescent, Welwyn Garden City, Herts, was
found guilty, last week, of carrying out unauthorised work to two oak
trees at his Heacham residence.
The work, known as 'topping' was carried out on the two trees, which are
the subject of a Tree Preservation Order, without the consent of the
Local Planning Authority. Topping is the excessive removal of a large
proportion of the tree at a certain height. It involves severing the
main stem or vertical branches leaving large stubs and wounds and is not
considered to be good practice. As a result of the topping, the
trees' natural branch structure and canopy form have been removed
leaving bare stems with branch stubs. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mr Mitchell attended court and pleaded guilty to the offence. The
magistrates fined him £500 for the offence and £500 towards costs.
Cllr Carol Sharp, Cabinet member for Development, said: "We are pleased
with this result and hope that this sends out a strong message to anyone
wishing to undertake similar work. Applications for consent to carry
out work to a protected tree must be made in writing to the local
planning authority."
Issued by: Sharon Clifton, Communications Officer, on 01553 616711 |
|