By Isle of Wight Observer
Two people who authorised and carried out the felling of trees in a conservation area in Totland have been fined, following a prosecution brought by the IW council.
Newport Crown Court heard how extensive tree works were carried out in a protected area on or before March 16, 2023 without permission from the IW Council,. Around 90 per cent of the trees in a site measuring 31 by 32 metres – nearly the size of four tennis courts – were either felled or reduced to stumps, significantly altering the landscape. Formal permission should have been sought before the work was carried out, but this was never obtained.
Timothy Royston-Parry, of Rosetta Gardening, and Kim Stapley, who commissioned the works, admitted guilt at an earlier hearing.
Both received fines of £2,000 and were ordered to pay prosecution costs of £2,689.62. A third party, the landowner, is expected to face sentencing later this year.
The prosecution case was that it caused substantial environmental damage in a prominent position in a conversation area and was visible for miles from the beach and promenade.
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.”
The council welcomed the result, saying it should serve as a reminder that it is ready to take necessary and proportionate action to protect its tree stock.
Planning officer Ollie Boulter 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.”