Two individuals who ordered and carried out unauthorised tree felling in a Totland conservation area have received fines after a court found they had caused substantial harm to the local environment.
Nearly 90 per cent of the trees in an area roughly the size of four tennis courts were felled or reduced to stumps without permission, prompting strong criticism from the judge and local officials.
Unauthorised tree felling led to prosecution
The Isle of Wight council brought the case after trees were cut down within the Totland Conservation Area on or before 16 March 2023. No prior notice or consent had been given by the Local Planning Authority.
Formal permission is required for any tree works within a conservation area. This was not obtained.
Council planning enforcement officers, tree specialists and legal teams carried out an investigation. They then prosecuted Timothy Royston-Parry, of Rosetta Gardening, who carried out the work, and Kim Stapley, who commissioned it.
Fines and costs handed down
Mr Royston-Parry and Ms Stapley appeared at Newport Crown Court last Friday. Both had pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing.
The court ordered each to pay a fine of £2,000 and prosecution costs of £2,689.62.
A third defendant, the landowner, will face sentencing and confiscation proceedings later this year.
Court and council condemn the damage
Recorder Gibney, sentencing the pair, 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 said the case shows its willingness to act decisively when environmental rules are broken.
A warning to others
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.”
He added that other investigations into illegal tree felling are ongoing.
Councillor Chris Jarman, ward councillor for Totland and Colwell, 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.
“There was great dismay at these unauthorised works which so decimated a beautiful area and vista.”
He said he hoped the sentencing would remind others of the need to seek permission before carrying out such work.
Council promises firm action
Councillor Paul Fuller, Cabinet member for planning, coastal protection and flooding, said,
“These are matters that local communities take very seriously. Conservation areas are designated to protect the natural and historic environment.
“This kind of environmental vandalism is wholly unacceptable, and we will continue to take firm action against those who breach these important safeguards.”
Those considering tree works are urged to consult the Isle of Wight council’s website for guidance.
