A millionaire property developer in Poole, Dorset has been fined £20,000 for unlawfully cutting down 28 trees to make way for a clifftop pool and garden pod. Bill Buckler, who purchased a 1960s bungalow in October 2019 for over £3.1 million, began this controversial project without proper permits.
Background of the Case
In February 2021, Buckler received authorization from Natural England to fell the trees. He claimed the removal was necessary for conservation efforts to protect the cliff from erosion and support the habitat of sand lizards, a rare species. However, locals raised concerns that his real intent was to improve the view from his property.
Construction Without Approval
- Buckler initiated construction of a luxury garden pod and an infinity pool following the tree removal.
- This construction occurred on a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), raising substantial objections from the community.
- Natural England investigated reports of unauthorized excavation at the site in early 2022, confirming that the works were illegal.
Despite these findings, excavation continued until February 2023. In March, Buckler was fined £8,812 under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) and an additional £11,187 under the Enforcement Costs Recovery Notice.
Legal Proceedings
Buckler challenged the penalties in the High Court, describing them as unfair. Nevertheless, judges dismissed his appeal, labeling it “notably free of merit.” The court noted the environmental damage caused by his construction activities, which irreversibly altered the geological features of the SSSI.
Environmental Impact
Natural England representatives emphasized that the geological features have suffered permanent damage. Nick Squirrel, a spokesperson, stated that attempting to reverse the illegal work could jeopardize cliff stability and the safety of beach users below.
Conservation Concerns
The Poole Bay Cliffs are noted for their delicate ecosystem and geological significance. Any further development on this site poses a risk not only to the environment but also to local infrastructure, such as beach huts and promenades. Squirrel reiterated the importance of stringent development policies to protect such vulnerable areas.
In summary, Bill Buckler’s attempts to create a luxury space at the cost of local ecology have drawn significant legal and community backlash, culminating in a hefty financial penalty and ongoing concerns about environmental preservation in the area.
