Warning issued by Council

It comes after a company was fined for cutting down trees in Wealden

People across Wealden are being urged to check if trees are protected before cutting them down.

The warning comes after a company was this week fined £17,000 for felling trees in ancient woodland at a site within the district.

Wealden District Council prosecuted the landowners of the site in The Drive, Hellingly, after trees were cut down in 2018 despite them being subject to Tree Preservation Orders.

The landowners said they were unaware of the Tree Preservation Orders in place which protected the woodland and trees and claimed the trees were a danger to public safety.

But they pleaded guilty to contravention of the TPO. They were fined and also ordered to pay £7,500 in legal costs.

During the case, Recorder Ben Collins QC said it was regrettable the landowners took no steps to find out what the position was before going ahead with their actions.

Members of the public can check if trees are protected by TPOs by contacting Wealden District Council on 01323 443322 or via email planning.information@wealden.gov.uk

Wealden District Council’s portfolio holder for Planning, Councillor Ann Newton said, “It is imperative that people check to see if Tree Preservation Orders are in place.

“When these TPOs are ignored and trees are felled, we will robustly pursue those responsible for breaching the orders and issue court proceedings.

“It is easy for people to ascertain if TPOs are in place and this case shows that ignorance is no defence.”