Developer prosecuted

[kevinjohnsonmbe]

Hefty fine for Harrogate developers after destroying protected trees in Ripon - Ripon Gazette

 

38k fine and no mention of replanting order. It's a result but hardly a deterrent.

[Gray git]

Hardly a deterrent if a 38k fine means you can get 2 more 200k houses on the site.

I know that particular tree officer and I'm sure he'd have been pushing for more!

[lyons e]

I thought it was 20% of the value of the houses that they charge

[kevinjohnsonmbe]

Hardly a deterrent if a 38k fine means you can get 2 more 200k houses on the site.

I know that particular tree officer and I'm sure he'd have been pushing for more!

 

Shame it wasn't the fine PLUS replant with (as close as reasonably practical) same as removed. The total of the fine would be less relevant then, but the ability to "gain" from the action would be negated.

 

That would be a good message to get out there....

[Gray git]

I'm sure they could have the power to have altered or even suspended the planning consent on the site which would have really hurt!!

Replanting as you say would have been a good start for sure!

[kevinjohnsonmbe]

Hi

The Council could seek a proceeds of crime order equivalent to any benefit the developer accrued. However, considering the size of the 'fine', that has probably already happened. Courts are notoriously feeble when it comes to sentencing where trees are concerned.

 

Ed

 

And thieving and thuggery it seems - mores the pity.

 

Thoroughly depressing for the general (law abiding) public, police and councils no doubt.....

[Sylvia]

"Graycliffe Homes Ltd of Pannal Road, Follifoot in Harrogate had put in a planning application to erect 14 dwellings on College Road in June 2014.

However, the application was opposed by the Ripon’s planning committee after a member of the public complained that two of the trees had been cut down in the conservation area.

The application was refused and on Wednesday, September 2, the company pleaded guilty to all seven offences at Harrogate Magistrate’s Court in a prosecution brought by Harrogate Borough Council (HBC)"

[Gray git]

Ha ha so not only did they get a fine but lost the planning to build the homes which would be a real financial hit!

No mention of the contractor/person responsible for the actual cutting of the tree as surely they should also be held accountable?

[Sylvia]

Spoke too soon - looks like a re-application ?

Results

 

being barred from re-applying in such circumstances might deter?

[Gray git]

Might be a re application but won't necessarily mean it'll be passed without some ball crunching constraints!