Isle of Wight Council issues warning following unlawful tree felling

Two people charged with cutting down trees within a conservation area were told by a crown court judge that their actions had caused a "blot on the landscape".

The Isle of Wight Council mounted the prosecution after trees were felled within the Totland Conservation Area on or before 16 March 2023, without prior notice or the consent of the Local Planning Authority.

Nearly 90 per cent of the trees in an area measuring around 31 by 32 metres — which is just smaller than four tennis courts — were either felled or reduced to stumps. Formal permission should have been sought before the work was carried out, but this was never obtained.

Following an investigation that involved planning enforcement, tree and legal teams from the council, a prosecution was brought against Timothy Royston-Parry, of Rosetta Gardening, which carried out the work, and Kim Stapley, who instructed it.

They appeared at Newport Crown Court last Friday for sentencing, after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing. A third defendant, the landowner, will appear in court later this year for sentence and confiscation proceedings.

Mr Royston-Parry and Ms Stapley each received a fine of £2,000. Additionally, they were both ordered to pay prosecution costs of £2,689.62.

The prosecution case was that it caused substantial environmental damage in a prominent position in a conversation area and visible for miles from the beach and promenade.

In his sentencing remarks, Recorder Gibney said: “The Island is a beautiful place and canopies of this nature are well respected and protected. This is now a blot on the landscape brought about by your actions.”

The council welcomed the result, saying it should serve as a reminder that it is ready to take necessary and proportionate action to protect its tree stock.

Ollie Boulter, strategic manager for planning and infrastructure, said: "This case highlights the importance of adhering to environmental regulations.

"The illegal removal of trees not only damages the landscape but also disrupts local ecosystems and wildlife habitats.

"This case also underscores our commitment to protecting the environment and serves as a stern warning to those considering similar actions.

"We are actively investigating several other cases of illegal tree removal, emphasising that such activities can cause irreparable harm to trees, the character of the countryside, and local wildlife."

Councillor Chris Jarman, the Isle of Wight councillor for Totland and Colwell ward, said: "Our local community strongly values the essential contribution that our trees and associated wildlife bring to our landscape and to the natural beauty of our West Wight environment.

"This applies particularly to our various protected areas including those along the coast where they can reduce erosion. There was great dismay at these unauthorised works which so decimated a beautiful area and vista.

"We trust the view expressed by the judge in his findings and sentence will serve as a clear reminder to all that permission must be sought prior to such felling."

Councillor Paul Fuller, Cabinet member for planning, coastal protection and flooding, added: "These are matters that local communities take very seriously. Conservation areas are designated to protect the natural and historic environment.

"This kind of environmental vandalism is wholly unacceptable, and we will continue to take firm action against those who breach these important safeguards."

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