The owner of a property in the Leicestershire village of Great Dalby has been fined after removing two trees within a conservation area without permission.

The trees were deemed an original historic feature situated in the front garden of the former chapel, which currently has a planning application seeking its conversion to a residential property.

The defendant – not named by Melton borough council – pleaded guilty at Leicester Magistrates Court to cutting down both trees, without getting prior approval from the council. 

As a result, the defendant was ordered to pay £500 per tree plus a surcharge of £400 and £1,000 in costs.

A council spokesperson says: “We are satisfied with the outcome of this successful prosecution. We take enforcement matters very seriously as they impact on the local, natural environment and history of the borough. We are keen to uphold and promote a robust but fair planning enforcement regime to ensure people are not flouting the planning rules and damaging the borough. 

“We will continue to take action when these are being breached and encourage people to seek planning advice before going ahead with work, otherwise they risk criminal proceedings/action.”