Developer fined over unlawful removal of protected oak tree in Cheltenham
The company pleaded guilty to felling a tree with a preservation order
Churcham Homes Holdings Ltd has been fined for unlawfully removing a protected oak tree in Cheltenham.
The case was concluded on 17th August 2026 at Cheltenham Magistrates Court.
The development company pleaded guilty to removing the tree, which was covered by a Tree Preservation Order, without the necessary consent.
The offence violated section 210(1) of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990.
The court imposed a total fine of £6,162.52 on the company, which includes a £2,000 fine (reduced from £3,000 due to a guilty plea), a victim surcharge of £800, and full costs amounting to £3,362.52.
The incident took place on the development site previously known as Cromwell Court, now Greenway Park, in Cheltenham.
Cheltenham Borough Council has highlighted the significance of this legal action in protecting the area's green spaces and deterring future violations.
Councillor Paul Baker, cabinet member for planning and building control, said: "This prosecution sends a clear message that Cheltenham Borough Council will not tolerate illegal acts that harm our environment. We will continue to work diligently to protect our natural assets and ensure that developers understand the importance of adhering to environmental regulations."
The council's Counter Fraud and Enforcement Unit and One Legal, a shared legal service, played significant roles in supporting the prosecution.
The council expressed gratitude to these partners for their contributions to the case.