Blockley resident prosecuted for cutting down three 60-year-old apple trees
On Monday, 27th November 2023, at Cheltenham Magistrates Court, Mr Ismail Elmagdoub of Bath Orchard, Blockley, pleaded guilty to felling three healthy Apple trees without consent from Cotswold District Council.
Mr Elmagdoub was fined £4224 and ordered to pay an additional £2970 in costs and a victim surcharge of £1690, taking the total Mr Elmagdoub has to pay to £8884.
In March 2023, three healthy apple trees were felled by a contractor organised by Mr Elmagdoub without prior notice to the Council as is required by law. A witness observed the contractor beginning to cut down the trees and advised the contractor the trees were in a conservation area. Despite raising concerns with the contractor and the homeowner, their concerns were dismissed and the trees were cut down.
The Council’s Tree Officer believes the apple trees to have been at least 60 years old and historic mapping indicates the site to have been an Orchard from at least 1891. The trees were located within the rear garden of the property, which is situated in the Blockley Conservation Area.
Mr Elmagdoub explained that the fallen apples from the trees were being eaten by his dog which was causing the animal to become unwell and the trees were attracting wasps which were causing issues for his family. Mr Elmagdoub apologised for the felling of the trees and stated that he ‘acted without thought’ and that he is keen to work with the Council’s Tree Officer.
Robert Weaver, Chief Executive of Cotswold District Council, said: “Preserving our natural heritage is a shared responsibility, and we encourage residents to engage with us to ensure sustainable decision-making. The outcome of this case underscores the importance of engaging with the council to ensure we protect and enhance our shared environment for future generations."
The prosecution was brought by Cotswold District Council’s Heritage and Conservation Team with assistance from both the Council’s Counter Fraud and Enforcement Unit (CFEU) and Legal Service.
More information concerning Trees in conservation areas can be found on the Council’s website at: https://www.cotswold.gov.uk/planning-and-building/tree-works-and-preservation/trees-in-conservation-areas/
Contact Information
Cotswold District Council Communications Team
Notes to editors
Image: Felled Apple Trees in Blockley - The image shows the remains of three apple trees felled in Blockley. The trees were located within a rear garden, which is situated in the Blockley Conservation Area.