Hounslow Council has successfully prosecuted a company, for the illegal felling of six mature trees within the St Paul’s Hounslow Conservation Area.
Published: Thursday, 11th July 2024
The offender, Skylark Bed & Breakfast LLP, on Bath Road, has been fined £17,000 for the offence, with added costs the total payable is £23,186.50, marking the Council’s largest ever sentence for the felling of trees.
The prosecution was started after council officers discovered that six mature trees had been illegally removed from a property in the conservation area. These trees were integral to the local landscape and played a vital role in maintaining the environmental and aesthetic quality of the area.
Cllr Tom Bruce, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Assets, Regeneration and Development, said:
“We are deeply committed to protecting the natural and historic environment of our borough. Trees play a major role in mitigating against the effects of climate change and making our borough a greener and healthier place to live, which is why punishments for cutting down trees illegally is so important.
“The illegal felling of these trees was a serious offence that not only violated conservation area regulations but also deprived the community of important natural assets. This record fine sends a clear message that such actions will not be tolerated, and we will take decisive action to protect our green spaces. I want to thank our enforcement team for their diligent work in bringing this case to court.”
The total fine underscores the seriousness with which the council views such violations. This case serves as a reminder to all residents and property owners within conservation areas that any work affecting trees must be approved by the council to ensure compliance with conservation regulations.
Hounslow is home to a rich urban forest with more than 383 tree species and over 124,000 trees owned and managed by the Council alone. Trees are one of the most effective ways of reducing carbon in the atmosphere, while also encouraging biodiversity and greener communities for residents to live in.
The Council remains dedicated to preserving the natural beauty and historical significance of our conservation areas and will continue to take strong action against those who violate these protections.
More information on planning and building regulations in the borough is available on our website.
