A MAN has been fined after chopping down hedges without the council's permission.

James Phillips, of Hoe Lane, Abridge was ordered to pay the £6,000 fine by Harlow Magistrates after he was found guilty of three offences of removing hedges.

The court heard that Phillips removed hedges without council permission on land owned by him adjacent to 62 Hoe Lane contrary to the Hedgerow Regulations 1997.

Council Officers became aware that the hedges had been removed in January 2008 with his full knowledge.

He had pleaded not guilty to the offences leading to a two- day trial, with the district council and Phillips calling three witnesses each.

He was fined a total of £6,000 and ordered to pay a contribution towards the Council’s prosecution costs of £5,000.