Can Barratt cut down protected trees?

Elvisia

Barratt Homes are building a development that our house backs onto (I posted about it a while ago as they were breaking all sorts of rules) well today they have outdone themselves as they are currently cutting down trees that have a protection order on them. I have called my local counsellor who called the council, I have also spoken to the planning dept at the council who said they are sending round an emergency person to inspect, but the tree felling is going on right now and I can't see a way to stop it. The council's attitude was rather "they're not supposed to be cutting down the trees, therefore they're not cutting them down" even when I explained I was watching them right now doing it. The trees have been there for over a hundred years and are enormous, and there were also new saplings planted which had grown into strong young trees which have just been pulled out. One neighbour has completely lost everything at the bottom of his garden, it's now open onto a building site and I should imagine he'll have a bit of a moment when he comes home and sees it.

Is there anything else I can do? It feels as though no one cares?

malkyh

Get out there and tie yourself to the trunk

Elvisia

I've honestly tried that! But I can't get at the trees, we have a fence at the bottom of our garden that I can't get over. I was down there this morning with a ladder trying to clamber over!! It's raining now so they've stopped temporarily, maybe I need to get out the hosepipe (and stuff the ban) and keep watering the people doing the chopping!

POPPYOSCAR

malkyh wrote: »

Get out there and tie yourself to the trunk

Probably the only thing you can do short term!!

They can be fined (I think) up to £20,000 but this is more than likely small change to them and already factored into the equation.

Keep on to the council, make a nuisance of yourself.

Have you tried ringing the local paper they might consider sending a reporter and photographer to the site - it might make them think twice if they are recorded whilst actually in the process of doing it. If they are let the council know it will show them up if they do not then act on it.

vax2002

Camcorder, phone with video, ANYTHING get some evidence.

Where abouts in the country is this happening, someone may be able to help you capture the evidence.

malkyh

Elvisia wrote: »

I've honestly tried that! But I can't get at the trees, we have a fence at the bottom of our garden that I can't get over. I was down there this morning with a ladder trying to clamber over!! It's raining now so they've stopped temporarily, maybe I need to get out the hosepipe (and stuff the ban) and keep watering the people doing the chopping!

Are you female? If so, get naked and get out there sunbathing in your back garden. I'm sure their attention would be drawn away from their chopping and more towards their choppers..................:o:p:D

Elvisia

Thank you for cheering me up on what has been a seriously rubbish day.

I have photos and plenty of evidence, and the paper has already run a story on Barratts breaking the rules, they just replied and said they were sure it wasn't really an inconvenience at all, and nothing about the thousands they have already spent in fines.

I was told by someone that they keep money in the budget for fines, which does not surprise me.

Right I'm off to get my bangers out! Even if it scares them off it'll have worked!

malkyh

Elvisia wrote: »

Thank you for cheering me up on what has been a seriously rubbish day.

I have photos and plenty of evidence, and the paper has already run a story on Barratts breaking the rules, they just replied and said they were sure it wasn't really an inconvenience at all, and nothing about the thousands they have already spent in fines.

I was told by someone that they keep money in the budget for fines, which does not surprise me.

Right I'm off to get my bangers out! Even if it scares them off it'll have worked!

:T do some star jumps :j:j:j

vax2002

Dont be surprised if the council dont show, I think they have a "fund" for them as well

RuthnJasper

Contact your local MP and/or County Councillor as soon as possible and get them on board [edit - I see you've already been onto your councillor; get in touch again if needs be!].

Vax is technically correct, as there is what's called Section 106 Developer's Contributions funding available to councils, but this is in NO WAY any "hush money" so that they'll turn a blind eye to contraventions of Tree Preservation Orders or breaches of conservation agreements. The council department in question is likely to be very short-staffed and under pressure - it might not be physically possible for them to literally drop everything and run out (as unfortunate as that may be for the trees).

Also, I may be wrong, but I believe that trees, even those without TPOs, and hedges should not be felled during the nesting season. Maybe get onto your local wildlife trust...?

Good luck. x

POPPYOSCAR

What about contacting Greenpeace - they might get involved or know some who might?

Is there not some kind of tree activists who climb up the trees and stay there in situations like this?