Tree Felling Prosecutions - Leigh-on-Sea

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Leigh On Sea News: Tree Felling Prosecutions – ROCHFORD District Council has successfully prosecuted two individuals following serious breaches of Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) in Rayleigh.

Tree Felling Prosecutions - ROCHFORD District Council has successfully prosecuted two individuals following serious breaches of Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) in Rayleigh.

ROCHFORD District Council has successfully prosecuted two individuals following serious breaches of Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) in Rayleigh.

Both cases were heard at Basildon Magistrates’ Court on 18 March 2025 and relate to separate incidents on woodland sites located in Connaught Road.

In the first case, Mr. John Lee Eastwood of Elm Road, Pitsea pleaded guilty to the unlawful removal of trees and was ordered to pay a total of £22,917.

In the second, Mr. Conner Hughes of Stour Road, Chadwell St Mary, Grays also pleaded guilty and was fined £11,285.

Both cases related to preserved woodland sites that were cleared during the summer and autumn of 2023, with approximately 20 early mature trees removed on each site. The woodland areas were also levelled using mechanical excavators and on-site burning of felled tree material.

The woodland areas are protected under Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs), which make it a criminal offence to cut down, top, lop, uproot, or damage trees without the Council’s consent.

Rochford District Council’s Arboricultural Officer visited both sites at the time and immediately took action, cautioning individuals present and gathering vital evidence to support further legal proceedings. The process has taken nearly two years to reach prosecution, demonstrating the Council’s long-term commitment to enforcing environmental protections.

Councillor Chris Stanley, Chair of Rochford District Council’s Environment and Climate Change Committee, said: “These successful prosecutions send a clear message – we will not tolerate illegal works to protected woodlands in our district.

“Our Tree Officer acted swiftly and decisively to ensure evidence was secured and legal action could be taken, and we are pleased the courts have recognised the seriousness of these offences.”

Residents are reminded that it is a criminal offence to carry out works to protected trees without permission. You can find more information about Tree Preservation Orders or apply for permission to carry out works by visiting: www.rochford.gov.uk/tree-preservation.

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