Homeowner ordered to pay $240k for chopping down century-old tree

A homeowner in the UK has been slugged with a $240,000 fine for illegally chopping down a protected tree near her property over a decade ago. 

Claire Rands, who lives in Newport in south Wales, ignored a tree preservation order (TPO) and cut down a 100-year-old lime tree, the South Wales Argus reported. 

She had previously made six unsuccessful planning applications to remove the tree. 

The tree was one of eight protected lime trees on a reserve backing onto Rands’ home.

An ecologist with Newport Council noticed the tree was missing after seeing a gap in the line of eight trees. 

This triggered an inspection of the site and an investigation, the newspaper reported.

The investigation resulted in Rands being found guilty of illegal tree-felling.

The offence reportedly took place sometime between January 1, 2010 and July 11, 2013.

In January, Claire and her husband faced Newport Magistrates Court. Claire was convicted of the offence, while her husband was found not guilty. 

Last week, Rands appealed the decision at Newport Crown Court. 

Her legal team argued she had safety concerns about the tree after a grass fire swept through the area in 2012. 

However, the council argued the Rands had been told their house would increase in value by £50,000 ($103,000) if the tree was gone, the Daily Mail reported. 

The media outlet quoted Timothy Straker KC, acting for the council, telling the court: “Mrs Rands did not take an axe to the tree but engaged someone to do it for her. 

“A large lime tree was taken away, to use the vernacular, lock, stock and barrel. It was a breach of the current legislation and is a criminal offence.” 

The publication quoted Rhys Rosser, who represented Rands, as telling the court Claire was “of previous good character with no convictions against her”. 

Judge Celia Hughes found Rands guilty of cutting down the tree. 

“She has shown arrogance in blatantly ignoring the tree preservation order,” the publication quoted Hughes as saying. 

“The defendant knew fully well of the order – this offence was committed deliberately.” 

The court ordered Rands to pay the council a £16,000 fine ($33,000) along with £100,000 in costs ($207,000).