A local healthcare company has been fined for the illegal destruction of three protected trees believed to be over a century old. Harbour Healthcare Ltd. was brought to court for violating a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) that has been in effect for nearly 40 years. The unauthorized tree works were discovered at the Kingswood Mount Care Home in Woolton by Liverpool City Council planning officers last year.
Mature beech, yew, and oak trees, all covered by the TPO, were irreparably damaged. The inspection revealed that the yew tree had been completely felled, while the oak and beech trees were topped, resulting in irreversible harm and likely causing their demise. A TPO safeguards trees that enhance the local environment, prohibiting cutting down, topping, lopping, or uprooting without prior approval.
Despite the lack of risk posed by the three trees, they were recklessly destroyed. An estimated height of 15m to 25m and a collective value of £357,409 were lost due to the age of the trees. Harbour Healthcare Ltd. pled guilty to the offenses in court and was instructed to pay £6,777 within the next month. In a related incident, Mr. Daniel McCormack, the tree surgeon involved, admitted to three violations and was fined £960.
Councillor Laura Robertson-Collins emphasized the significance of trees in the cityscape and their role in purifying the air. Stricter regulations are enforced under a TPO to prevent undue pruning that could harm or kill trees. The message sent by this case highlights the serious consequences of disregarding these protective measures and destroying valuable trees that are essential to the city’s environment
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