On Wednesday 17 December local developers Wayne Low and Richmond Properties pleaded guilty at Beverley Magistrates Court, to causing or permitting the wilful damage of a sycamore tree and unauthorised felling of a pear tree. Both trees were located in Etton Conservation Area.
A pear tree was completely removed, and a sycamore tree had damaging works undertaken to it which reduced its amenity value and negatively impacted upon the conservation area.
Trees that are situated within conservation areas are protected and it is an offence to undertake works without first seeking the necessary consents.
Investigations by East Riding Council’s planning department identified that trees were in good health when the works were undertaken without consent.
Two amenity assessments showed that the amenity value of the sycamore tree was between £7,250.40 and £12,282.00 for and the pear tree was valued at between £1,611.20 and £3,068.00
Mr Wayne Low was fined £960.00 and was ordered to pay a £384.00 victim surcharge. Richmond Properties were fined £3,820.00, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £1,528.00 and were ordered to pay the council’s £369.66 costs.
Councillor Nick Coultish, East Riding of Yorkshire Council cabinet member for planning said:
“The council will look to take robust action against those who break planning rules and harm the environment. Trees make significant positive contributions to the environment, improve places’ visual appearance, protect ecosystems and provide health and well-being benefits.
“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.”
