Cotswold man fined almost £9k for illegal tree felling

Historic mapping suggested the site to have been an Orchard from at least 1891

A man has been ordered to pay nearly £9,000 for paying a contractor to illegally cut down three healthy apple trees in a conservation area.

The trees, in the garden of Blockley resident Ismail Elmagdoub, were believed to be around 60 years old, Cotswold District Council said.

He pleaded guilty to having them removed without giving the council prior notice, as required by law.

Mr Elmagdoub said he "acted without thought".

He added that he is keen to work with Cotswold District Council's tree officer, after admitting the offence in a hearing at Cheltenham Magistrates' Court on Monday

The council said a witness saw the contractor beginning to cut down the three trees, and told them they were in a conservation area.

Those concerns were "dismissed", the council added.

'Trees attracted wasps'

Mr Elmagdoub, of Bath Orchard, said fallen apples from the trees were being eaten by his dog which was causing the animal to become unwell.

The trees were attracting wasps which were causing issues for his family, he added.

Cotswold District Council's tree officer said the trees were believed to be at least 60 years old, and historic mapping indicated the site had been an orchard from at least 1891.

The council's chief executive, Robert Weaver, said: "Preserving our natural heritage is a shared responsibility, and we encourage residents to engage with us to ensure sustainable decision-making.

"The outcome of this case underscores the importance of engaging with the council to ensure we protect and enhance our shared environment for future generations."

Mr Elmagdoub was fined £4,224 and ordered to pay an additional £2,970 in costs and a victim surcharge of £1,690, totalling £8,884.