MALDON District Council has successfully prosecuted a man from Burnham-on-Crouch for the illegal felling of six trees protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO).

The defendant appeared at Southend Magistrates' Court on Thursday, 4 September, where he pleaded guilty to six offences of causing or permitting the cutting down of six protected trees in Burnham-on-Crouch in June 2024.

The trees felled included three Horse Chestnuts, two London Planes, and one Lime Tree. These trees were subject to a Tree Preservation Order due to their significant environmental and amenity value. 

The court heard that the combined CAVAT (Capital Asset Value for Amenity Trees) value of the trees was estimated at £197,015.00.

The man was fined £2,533.00 and ordered to pay a Criminal Courts Surcharge of £1,013.00 and costs of £1,769.99, bringing the total financial penalty to £5,315.99.

Cllr Richard Siddall, Leader of Maldon District Council, said: "This successful prosecution sends a clear message that we take the protection of our district's trees very seriously.

"Trees play a vital role in our environment and community wellbeing, and those protected by Tree Preservation Orders are legally safeguarded for good reason. We will continue to take robust action against those who flout these protections."

The Council will continue monitoring this matter to ensure that suitable replacement trees are planted by the landowner.