Man fined £65,000 for cutting down trees

A man who admitted cutting down trees in an ancient woodland has been fined £65,000.

Saeed Nazir, of Owler Lane in Sheffield, broke a tree preservation order by felling about 30 trees in Chapeltown between August 2019 and January 2023.

Sheffield Magistrates' Court was shown aerial photographs of Harrison Spring on Penistone Road, showing the extent of the clearance, at the hearing on 22 January.

The 55-year-old was ordered to pay costs of £2,067 and a surcharge of £190 alongside a £65,000 fine.

The trees cut down by Nazir were part of a replanted ancient woodland.

He said he was not aware of the order, and had planned to use buildings on the land for sheep and goats.

Ben Miskell, chair of the climate committee at Sheffield City Council, said: "This case, and the size of the fine, should act as a warning. We will take action against anyone who breaches a tree preservation order.

"I am pleased to say that trees are being replaced at the location to try and restore the woodland back to its former glory."

He said anyone who was considering removing trees in Sheffield should "check with the council first to ensure they don't end up in the same situation and having to pay a large fine".

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