The owner of a former chapel in a Leicestershire village has been ordered to pay more than £2,000 after cutting down two historic yew trees without permission. The trees were described by Melton Borough Council as "an original, historic feature" of the chapel, which is in Great Dalby's conservation area.

A local resident first noticed the landmark trees had been cut down, and reported the matter to the council, which ran a "comprehensive investigation", with support from Leicestershire County Council. Benjamin Paget, 41, was ultimately charged for the offence, and pleaded guilty at Leicester Magistrates’ Court to removing the trees without prior approval of the council.

The trees had been in the front garden of the Main Street property, which is the subject of a planning application, currently under consideration, seeking permission to convert the building into a home. Conservation areas aim to protect the architectural and historic interest of a place. Trees are said to make an important contribution to the character of an area, and are given special protection in conservation areas as a result.

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Magistrates ordered Paget to pay a fine of £500 per tree, plus a £400 surcharge and £1,000 in costs.

Councillor Alison Freer, portfolio holder for climate, said after the sentencing: “We are satisfied with the outcome of this successful prosecution. We take enforcement matters very seriously as they impact on the local, natural environment and history of the borough.

"We are keen to uphold and promote a robust but fair planning enforcement regime to ensure people are not flouting the planning rules and damaging the borough. We will continue to take action when these are being breached and encourage people to seek planning advice before going ahead with work, otherwise they risk criminal proceedings/action.”

The yew trees in the front garden of the property in Great Dalby before they were cut down
The yew trees in the front garden of the property in Great Dalby before they were cut down
How the property looks after the trees were cut down
How the property looks after the trees were cut down

Great Dalby’s conservation area was first designated in 1981, with the borough council’s official conservation appraisal of the village reading: “Great Dalby is an attractive small village located on a hillside set in undulating countryside some three miles south of Melton Mowbray.” It adds: “Trees and other greenery including boundary hedges and garden areas are widespread within the street scene with mature trees framing views along the street.”

The council has urged residents to follow planning rules, offering advice and guidance on its website if people are unsure if work they are doing to their home needs permission.

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