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Press Release

18 November 2022

Prosecution success for tree preservation order breach

Fareham Borough Council has successfully prosecuted an individual for a significant breach of a tree preservation order (TPO) at Portsmouth Magistrates Court this week.

The breach related to the destruction of 16 oak trees in the Warsash area of Fareham. The destruction of these oak trees represents a significant loss to the area and to the ecosystem.

A prosecution case was brought against Mr Baker, submitted by Southampton Legal, and dealt with at Portsmouth Magistrates Court earlier this week. The Bench stated that, while it was impossible to put a price on the trees, a fine of £7,500 for each of the 16 trees was imposed, equalling £120,000.

Given the guilty plea submitted by Mr Baker and his prior good standing in the community, the Bench provided a third reduction to this fine, which reduced the amount to £81,415.

Councillor Simon Martin, Executive Member for Planning and Development at Fareham Borough Council, said: “This is a significant prosecution for the Council and we hope that this will act as a deterrent for others who may be tempted to offend. Breaching tree preservation orders is unacceptable, and we will do everything we can to prosecute offenders in Fareham. This was not just one or two trees but 16 in total and they will take hundreds of years to replace, not to mention the damage to the ecosystem and biodiversity of the area. We understand that this is one of the largest fines imposed for a TPO breach and I believe it was entirely warranted.”

ENDS