The Isle of Wight Crown Court has imposed financial penalties after a large number of protected trees were unlawfully felled at a Totland home – increasing its value by around £75,000.
The Isle of Wight Council mounted the prosecution after trees were felled within the Totland Conservation Area on or before 16th March 2023, without prior notice or the consent of the Local Planning Authority.
Nearly 90% of the trees in an area measuring around 31 by 32 metres – which is just smaller than 4 tennis courts – were either felled or reduced to stumps. The court heard how the felling of said trees increased the value of the property by around £75,000.
Appearing at the Isle of Wight Crown Court earlier this month (2nd May) Timothy Royston-Parry – who carried out the work – and Kim Stapley – who instructed him – each received a fine of £2,000. Additionally, they were both ordered to pay prosecution costs of £2,689.62.
Among the trees destroyed were Holm Oaks, Sycamore, Pine and Coppice.
Handing down his sentence, Recorder Gibney said:
“The Island is a beautiful place and canopies of this nature are well respected and protected. This is now a blot on the landscape brought about by your actions.”
Landowner, Peter Price, will appear at the Isle of Wight Crown Court in October. It was back in August that a warrant was issued for Price’s arrest after a previous court no-show.
Ollie Boulter, strategic manager for planning and infrastructure, said:
“This case highlights the importance of adhering to environmental regulations.
“The illegal removal of trees not only damages the landscape but also disrupts local ecosystems and wildlife habitats. This case also underscores our commitment to protecting the environment and serves as a stern warning to those considering similar actions.
“We are actively investigating several other cases of illegal tree removal, emphasising that such activities can cause irreparable harm to trees, the character of the countryside, and local wildlife.”
Councillor Chris Jarman, the Isle of Wight Councillor for Totland and Colwell ward, said:
“Our local community strongly values the essential contribution that our trees and associated wildlife bring to our landscape and to the natural beauty of our West Wight environment.
“This applies particularly to our various protected areas including those along the coast where they can reduce erosion. There was great dismay at these unauthorised works which so decimated a beautiful area and vista.”
What good is a small fine when they have increased their property value by £75k?? They should have been sent to prison.
The value went up £75000, they were fined £2000 each….. must do better.
Issue a fine of £75,000.00 and donate the
money to charity.
His land his trees..
£75k increase in value, less £5k fines/costs, net gain £70k. It pays to break the law!!!
Having removed all that ground cover I wonder how long it will take for that slope to start moving and take out the house that was protected by the roots that kept the soil in place.. bloody idiots, all of them!
So it cost these two £6,689.62 to add £75,000 to the value of the property. Who says crime doesn’t pay. Why was there no order made for recovery of the £75,000 under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002?
Basically they got away with it, what’s next on their list, do they own any other areas where they can do the same with a simple slap of the wrist afterwards.