Four East Yorkshire residents have been fined for carrying out unauthorised tree works that severely damaged a mature sycamore in the Sproatley conservation area.
The defendants appeared at Hull Magistrates’ Court on Friday, May 23, where they pleaded guilty to undertaking or permitting the lopping of the tree without permission.
Bryan Power admitted to permitting the lopping of the sycamore. Mark Johnson and Marie Johnson pleaded guilty to causing or permitting the lopping, and John Force admitted to causing the lopping.
The work removed the entire crown of the tree, leaving only the trunk, significantly affecting its health, appearance and amenity value. The damage was deemed likely to destroy the tree, in breach of section 210 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.
Investigations by East Riding Council’s planning department found the tree had been in good health prior to the works.
Bryan Power was fined £1,200, with £200 in costs and a £480 victim surcharge. John Force was fined £300, with £200 in costs and a £120 surcharge. Marie Johnson was fined £500, with £200 in costs and a £200 surcharge. Mark Johnson was fined £200, with £200 in costs and a £200 surcharge.
Trees within a conservation area cannot be cut down, uprooted, lopped or topped – or otherwise damaged – without prior consent from the local planning authority.
Councillor Gary McMaster, cabinet member for planning, housing and infrastructure at East Riding Council, said: “We are dedicated to protecting our local environment and taking robust action against those who flout conservation area laws. It is vital to check whether permission is required to undertake tree works, and whether the tree is covered by a conservation order or a tree protection order.”