“Not only did they know it was a protected tree but they knew that planning officers would object to its removal.
“If there was genuine remorse for the work they have done they could’ve come to us but that didn’t happen and it was almost a year before we were made aware of it.”
Ms Smith added there was also a public interest in the prosecution and not pursuing the case would be “undermining our position as a public authority”.
Fran Whymark agreed they had to prosecute, saying: “Otherwise, anyone who wants to get rid of a tree will feel carte blanche to do so.”
The A1101 at Welney is closed due to flooding. Picture: Ian Burt
- Credit: IAN BURT
An investigation has begun into the causes of and response to the catastrophic Christmas flooding.
Norfolk County Council cabinet member for environment and waste Andy Grant said an additional £300,000 had been put in place for urgent flood repairs with a further £250,000 in revenue.
There is also £1.5m in the Capital Budget project.
The flood water under the rail bridge on Green Lane between Great Plumstead and Thorpe End.
- Credit: Picture: DENISE BRADLEY Copyright: Archant 2021
Mr Grant told Wednesday s scrutiny committee the amount of rainfall in December was unprecedented , with a month s-worth of rain in 24 hours in some places.
The A1101 at Welney is closed due to flooding. Picture: Ian Burt
- Credit: IAN BURT
An investigation has begun into the causes of and response to the catastrophic Christmas flooding.
Norfolk County Council cabinet member for environment and waste Andy Grant said an additional £300,000 had been put in place for urgent flood repairs with a further £250,000 in revenue.
There is also £1.5m in the Capital Budget project.
The flood water under the rail bridge on Green Lane between Great Plumstead and Thorpe End.
- Credit: Picture: DENISE BRADLEY Copyright: Archant 2021
Mr Grant told Wednesday s scrutiny committee the amount of rainfall in December was unprecedented , with a month s-worth of rain in 24 hours in some places.