CHOPPING down three protected trees cost a Chorleywood couple a total of £9,000 last week when Three Rivers District Council brought a successful prosecution against them.
In December 2001 the owners of Fir Trees, Quickley Rise, Chorleywood, employed a contractor to chop down two Norway Spruces and a Douglas Fir in their garden, despite knowing the trees were subject to Tree Preservation Orders.
On Thursday, July 4, Watford Magistrates Court heard how the relevant consents under the Town and Country Planning Act had not been applied for from the council. Both owners were fined £1,500 each for each tree, a total of £9,000 plus costs.
Leader of Three Rivers District Council, Councillor Ann Shaw said: "I find it quite incredible that these people, who were well aware that these mature trees were protected specimens, still went ahead and had them destroyed like this.
"I'm glad that the magistrates took the offence so seriously and imposed these heavy fines.
"When this outrageous act was brought to the attention of our officers they quickly visited the site but sadly it was too late to save the trees.
"Three Rivers takes the protection of our green environment very seriously indeed and applauds the court's action."
July 11, 2002 12:30
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