Samuel Wilson cut down a protected 42ft oak tree as it impeded sunlight from a new balcony before getting reported to the council. \u00a0He has been forced to pay almost \u00a340,000, which is said to be the value that the chopping has added to his property as well as other costs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
This wealthy homeowner was told to repay \u00a321,000 to the taxpayer, this amounted to the cost of what the prohibited act had added to the worth of his \u00a31m Dorset residence. \u00a0On top of this he was further made to pay \u00a315,000 in costs and then also charged \u00a31,200 in fines.\u00a0 Mr Wilson has now become the first person, under the Proceeds of Crime Act, that has been dealt with regarding a case that involved knocking down a tree to enhance light.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
In 2016 a new balcony was added to Samuel Wilson\u2019s lavish home in Canford Cliffs, Dorset.\u00a0 However due to his south-west facing garden he later recognised that the balcony was shaded by the tree.\u00a0 Due to a Tree Preservation Order, before cutting it down he should have requested approval from the Local Authority. Nevertheless, he chopped off 12ft branches in order to let sunlight onto the balcony of his property.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Mr Wilson\u2019s neighbour informed the devastation that he had caused to Poole Council who later launched an investigation.\u00a0 After appearing at Bournemouth Crown Court, he pled guilty to causing wilful damage to a protected tree and was subsequently fined \u00a31,200 for the offence.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
He was told by Judge Johnathon Fuller QC \u201cI am satisfied that in this case there has been a benefit and will adopt the lower valuation of \u00a321,750.\u201d This was picked after two council surveyors stated that the value of the house now had an added value between \u00a321,750 and \u00a330,000.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n