Chesterfield company fined £10,000 for cutting down trees

The case against Robinsons Plc was brought by Chesterfield Borough Council.

Guy Robinson, finance director, pleaded guilty on behalf of the company to cutting down a total of nine trees that were subject to a preservation order at Dock Walk, Boythorpe, Chesterfield.

The company was fined £10,000 and ordered to pay £200 prosecution costs and £170 victim surcharge, payable within 28 days.

Councillor Chris Ludlow, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing said: “Although Robinsons claimed they were not aware of the tree preservation order, this case shows how important it is to check with the council before any works at all are done to trees.

“The level of the fine shows just how serious this is and we are prepared to take enforcement action where necessary.”

Information on planning matters relating to trees is available on the council website: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/trees.