By Andrew Young-
A company director and a tree surgeon have both been fined for illegally cutting a tree back.
In a somewhat comical case, the director and the surgeon had pursued a conduct that was illegal and led to a successful prosecution. A tree was cut back, and somebody was upset because of it. Magistrates said she had a greater role in the matter and was fined £1,000, ordered to pay a contribution of £750 towards the Council’s prosecution costs, and a victim surcharge. McAllister was also fined £300 and ordered to pay a contribution of £250 towards the Council’s prosecution costs plus a victim surcharge of £30.
Helen Kelly–Howe from Chingford, and John McAllister were ordered to pay a total of more than £2,000 after unauthorized work was carried on a tree in High Street, Roydon.
The investigation into the illegal move by Howe was undertaken after Epping Forest Council officers were alerted that branches of the protected syncamore tree had been cut down. The tree situated within one property had been cut back where they overhung onto neighbouring land.
Kelly–Howe, a director of the company and owner of the property had instructed tree surgeon McAllister to cut the branches back to the boundary.
The company director took no steps to confirm whether the tree was protected, and did not seek consent to carry out the works undertaken.At least a six weeks notice of the planned work would have been required, but consent would not have been granted.
Kelly-Howe pleaded guilty to causing or permitting unauthorized work to a tree in a conservation area.
Magistrates stated she had a greater role in the matter and was fined £1,000, ordered to pay a contribution of £750 towards the Council’s prosecution costs and a victim surcharge
McAllister was fined £300 and ordered to pay a contribution of £250 towards the Council’s prosecution costs plus a victim surcharge of £30.