THE Forestry Commission has confirmed that it is investigating a tree felling incident in Carlisle.
It comes as residents of an Etterby street expressed their shock and sadness at the apparent sudden felling of several trees on a strip of privately-owned land.
This has since prompted the council to establish a temporary tree protection order (TPO) for the area.
The land, previously sold to an unknown buyer, had been described by estate agents Hayward Tod as a potential site for small-scale residential development, raising concerns about future plans for the site.
The woodland removal, which included the felling of an old maple tree, has sparked fears among locals regarding its impact on local wildlife, including owls, deer, and otters that once inhabited the area.
Cumberland Councillor Helen Davison, who represents the district, was alerted by residents and subsequently contacted the council's tree preservation officer.
Together with a Forestry Commission representative, they assessed the situation and determined the need for a temporary TPO to prevent further tree removal while a public consultation is being conducted to determine if the TPO should be permanent.
READ MORE: Dismay as Carlisle trees felled, sparking wildlife concerns
But Cumberland Council have since confirmed that they were aware of felling on the site a year before and said they were unable to do anything about it.
A spokesperson from the council said: “In October 2023 we had notification that some trees had been felled over a weekend. At that time they were not protected by a TPO nor were they in the conservation area.
“No permission was required from the council at that time and there was no action we could take over the felling.
“The matter was referred to the Forestry Commission.
“No further felling occurred until we were notified on September 30, 2024. There is now a new TPO in place.”
Before anyone can cut down trees, they may need to get a felling licence from the Forestry Commission; depending on whether an exemption to the need for a licence applies.
In addition to a felling licence, other permissions to fell the trees may also be required.
Felling trees without the authority of a felling licence, where one was required, currently carries an unlimited penalty upon conviction in a Magistrates Court. Provisions within the Environment Act will increase this penalty to an unlimited fine, set at the discretion of the court.
The Forestry Commission regulates the felling of trees. It said it was unable to comment further on its Etterby investigation as the case is active.
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