A developer caused damage to a protected tree after going against planning permission in Chorleywood.
Rivergate Homes (Pine Cottage) had been building homes in Quickley Rise when contractors excavated land close to the roots of a Beech tree.
The works took place in an area that was fenced off to protect the rooting area of the mature Beech tree.
But the tree suffered damage as a result of the works.
The Director of Rivergate Homes (Pine Cottage), Nicky Morrison, appeared at St Albans Magistrates Court on Wednesday 24 July.
A fine and costs amounting to £7,255 was made payable to the company.
Cllr Phil Williams, lead member of environment services and sustainability at Three Rivers District Council, said: “I trust this sends out a clear message that violating a Tree Preservation Order has serious legal consequences.
“Criminal damage to the protected trees or environment is a serious offence and penalties will be incurred.”
All trees within a designated Conservation Area and specific trees identified within Tree Preservation Orders across the district are protected from being cut down, topping, lopping, uprooting and wilful damage or destruction.
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