An Interim Injunction has been obtained following the felling of 131 protected trees in Beckenham.
The Interim Injunction gives further legal protection for land adjacent to Cator Park in Kings Hall Road, where the protected trees were growing before they were felled on Saturday 10 June. The news about the Interim Injunction granted at Bromley County Court follows the commencement of an immediate investigation when news was received about the felling, with this investigation continuing, including with witness statements being carefully gathered.
Councillor Colin Smith, Leader of Bromley Council said, “We never have and never will stand by whilst protected trees in Bromley are attacked in this manner. As our fact based investigation continues, residents can be assured that we will take all legal measures at our disposal to protect this land, which is why we sought this Interim Injunction. Our legal action and investigation is continuing to evolve but residents should be in no doubt of our determination to pursue all options with the utmost rigour. Naturally, as with any breach of a preservation order, especially on this scale, we will look to take forward a prosecution where sufficient evidence exists.”
A breach of the interim injunction could lead to an individual being sent to prison if found guilty of contempt of court, with the Council confirming their intention to seek a permanent injunction.
Anyone found guilty of felling trees that were identified by a Tree Preservation Order commits an offence contravening Section 210 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, with fines of up to £20,000 at a Magistrates Court or an unlimited fine at Crown Court being the sentences. It is likely that the outcome of an investigation will not be known for some weeks to come.
Police were call by concerned residents and a number of residents have come forwards as witnesses as the Council’s investigation continues.
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For media enquiries, please contact Andrew Rogers, Head of Public Affairs, on 020 8461 7872 or email andrew.rogers@bromley.gov.uk.