Contractor finally pays the price for tree damage

10 February 2010

Please note: these pages contain archived information. Whilst the details were correct when first published, they may since have 'aged' and some of the information could be out-of-date. For this reason, links in the content of archive news stories have been disabled.

The contractor who damaged trees at a development site in Horsell has this week (5 February) been fined at Woking Magistrates' Court for breaching a Tree Preservation Order (TPO).

Contractor, HGH Groundworks Ltd, pleaded guilty to four offences of causing or permitting the wilful damage to trees at the Danesfield site on Grange Road, Horsell. They were fined and ordered to pay a contribution towards the Council's costs in bringing proceedings, totalling £1,695.

HGH Groundworks Ltd was working on behalf of developer, Shanley Homes, who were in November 2009, found guilty of causing or permitting the willful damage of two trees at the same site.

Following a complaint from a local resident in April 2009, that trees at the Danesfield site were being damaged, Woking Borough Council's Arboricultural Officer investigated and found that a trench had been dug beside a Cedar tree. Excavation works had also taken place within the rooting area of two English Oak trees and soil had been compacted in the rooting area of a Lime tree and a Sweet Chestnut tree - all of which contravened Condition 14 of the development's planning permission and Clause 4 of the Tree Preservation Order.

Building works were immediately stopped, enabling Officers to assess the extent of the damage, and to ensure that steps were put in place to reduce further damage to the trees. Measures were implemented to reduce the impact of the damage to the trees.

Woking Borough Council's Portfolio Holder for Planning Implementation, Cllr Graham Cundy, said: "This case proves that it does not matter if you are the contractor, or the developer, the Council will not hesitate to take action against those who breach Tree Preservation Orders.

"I would urge anyone about to embark on, or who is considering, tree works to consult our Tree Enforcement Policy first. This sets out the framework for dealing with tree enforcement issues in a clear, consistent and fair manner and ensures that actions are in accordance with current legislation and guidance."

Anyone considering works to protected trees should contact Woking Borough Council's Arboriculture Services on 01483 755855 or visit www.woking.gov.uk. Anyone wishing to check whether a TPO is in place on their property, can do so online by typing their address details into the `Your local services' area on the Council's homepage. This part of the website provides vital information on residents' property, plus neighbourhood services and refuses collections.