West Norfolk Council hears about offenders prosecuted for illegal tree work

Some offenders have been fined more than £8,000 for illegal tree work in West Norfolk since the mid-2000s.

At West Norfolk Council’s full meeting last Thursday, a member of the public asked for statistics on how many people have been prosecuted in the borough for cutting down trees and hedgerows without permission.

Cllr Jim Moriarty said that data goes back to 2005, and shows that 32 cases have been brought against people believed to have committed hedgerow-related offences.

However, none of these have resulted in prosecutions - with two replacement notices issued.

But in that same period, the council has prosecuted a number of people for breaching Tree Protection Orders.

One case involved two defendants. One was ordered to pay costs of more than £4,000, with the other paying £1,200.

Others were fined values of £2,500, £1,000, £6,000, £8,500 and £1,165.

On the lack of prosecutions for hedgerow offenders, Cllr Moriarty said: “I happen to agree with the view of the (council) officers taken at the time, that it would not be correct to proceed if… the work would have been approved in any case.

“I suspect the courts would have had a similar view and questioned the use of public money in such a manner.”

When asked about procedures for catching people breaching Tree Protection Orders, Cllr Moriarty admitted the council does not have officers “going out” and actively attempting to apprehend offenders.

“We rely on the public - and that is also the case with the hedgerows - to tell us if they think there has been a breach,” he added.

However, officers may choose to attend a site if there is an active risk to protected trees - such as when a new housing development is being planned or built.