Mr Sean McInerney was fined £2,307 and ordered to pay a total of £7,652.70* for his actions, which violated a Tree Preservation Order (TPO No 410). Tewin Wood is protected by a Woodland Order, which means the trees that fall within the scope of the Order benefit from legal protection. Any works to chop, lop, top, or uproot trees protected by the Order need consent from the council.
Mr McInerney pleaded guilty to the offence at Stevenage Magistrates Court on Friday, 23 January 2026. In mitigation, Mr McInerny argued that he cut the trees down for several reasons, including a tree falling and hitting his house in 2021 and in response to the findings of a 2020 surveyor’s report. Replacement trees have since been replanted in the same location.
Cllr Vicky Glover-Ward, Executive Member for Planning and Growth at East Herts Council, said, “The council is committed to safeguarding the environment, as well as maintaining the visual character of the district. Tewin Woods are a significant feature of the local area, and so I am pleased to hear the court’s decision. The fine issued certainly reinforces the strength and purpose of this legislation.”
“This case underlines how important it is for residents to check whether a TPO applies before carrying out any tree work, so that they can obtain the necessary consent from the council in order to do so.”
For more information on TPOs, visit: www.eastherts.gov.uk/planning-and-building/trees
*Defendant: Mr Sean McInerney
Fine - £2307
Victim Surcharge - £923
Prosecution costs - £4422.70
Total – £7652.70