Groundbreaking court case - developers plead guilty over tree felling
19 September 2008
"Stunning result" welcomed by Green Cllr Amy Kennedy. Bridgetown Properties yesterday pleaded guilty to felling seven protected trees at a site adjacent to Anston House in Preston Road, Brighton last year.
The case, the first of its kind to be brought by Brighton & Hove City Council since its inception more than a decade ago, will now go to the Crown Court for sentencing.
The Crown Court’s powers of punishment are significantly greater than Magistrates, so Bridgetown Properties may face substantial fines.
Green Cllr Amy Kennedy, (picture left) who last year presented the council with a petition signed by almost 600 local residents calling for this prosecution, said:
“This is a stunning result, and will send shockwaves through the world of property development.
“Not only is this the first time Brighton & Hove council has pursued a prosecution under a Tree Preservation Order, the decision by Magistrates to pass the case up to the Crown Court means Bridgetown may well face far more than the usual small-change fine for this kind of illegal act.
“Typically, the maximum punishment for destroying listed trees is peanuts to rogue property developers - many simply factor in the cost of the fine in their plans rather than obey the law in the first place.
“But the Crown Court’s powers of punishment are significantly greater than those of the Magistrates court. The sentencing hearing, to be held in January, could well make future property developers think twice before destroying preserved trees.
“Bridgetown properties’ decision to plead guilty, after almost 600 residents signed a petition calling for this prosecution, is testament to the months of tireless work from officers in gathering evidence.
“Brighton & Hove enforcement officers have worked their socks off to get it to this stage, and I hope this will restore some of the public's faith in how the local authority deals with unscrupulous developers who breach their planning permission, as they've done an excellent job on this.”
Notes to editors:
Media only: for more information please contact Charlie Woodworth on 01273 290452.Other enquirers please call the party office on 01273 766670.
[ENDS]
