Tree surgeon ordered to pay £4,000 for chopping protected trees

Mr Channer was prosecuted by Aylesbury Vale District Council after it received information in August 2007 that unauthorised work was being carried out to trees in Friars Court, Aylesbury.
A summons was served on Channer after the council's enforcement team investigated.
Before beginning work on trees within a conservation area, notification should be given to the district council.
The notification gives the council the opportunity to serve a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) to protect the trees if it objects to the works proposed and provides and gives residents an opportunity to comment. It is an offence to fell or carry out work to a protected tree without formal consent.
Replacement trees have since been planted and the council has served a TPO to protect them and the remaining trees on the site.
Councillor Sue Polhill, cabinet member for planned development for Aylesbury Vale, said: "We take a tough stance against anyone carrying out tree works without first checking whether permission is required. Trees in a conservation area are protected by the conservation area status so, as this case proves, we are determined to deal firmly with those who break the rules."