A Lichfield woman has been hit with a bill for almost £3,000 after damaging a protected tree in her garden.

Unauthorised work being carried out on the protected tree
Unauthorised work being carried out on the protected tree

Lesley Doram pleaded guilty to having the unauthorised work carried out on a Sycamore at her Auchinleck Drive home that was likely to destroy it.

She apologised to Lichfield District Council during the hearing at Stafford Magistrates’ Court.

Mrs Doram was fined £1,500 – reduced to £1,000 due to her early guilty plea – and made to pay costs to the council of £1,870 as well as a victim surcharge of £100 – a total of £2,970.

Councillor Ian Pritchard, Cabinet member for environment at Lichfield District Council, said: “This case shows how seriously the court takes breaches in tree preservation orders.

“I urge anyone who is considering works to a tree in their garden to find out whether it is protected. You can do this by contacting the council who will be able to advise you.”

For details on protected trees contact Lichfield District Council’s arboricutural team on 01543 308207 or 308185 or email [email protected].

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.

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concerned citizen
7 years ago

i wonder whether the tree was diseased and, therefore, dangerous? Whilst the lady has met the council court costs, I wonder how much the Council spent on investigating this matter and deciding to prosecute. It is good to know that the Council has its priorities.

Thornton
7 years ago

Another chance for a council bashing or the council simply following through with what the woman would have been aware of.

Toast
7 years ago

I have friends who live in this street, and according to them she was reported by the tree surgeons who carried out work at a neighbouring property after a council visit was arranged and work was approved for them. She didn’t bother consulting with the council at all and hired a firm to just come in and chop large bits off the tree in question. Follow the rules, don’t get a fine. Simple.