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Grumpy_Git-
Unfortunately fines are generally permission slips for the rich.
Some councils in London make the fine a percentage of the property value. When the fines were £3k the rich would consider that a fair price to pay to get rid of a tree. When the fine becomes £300k it's more of a deterrent.
But the usual routine now is to hire a dodgy tree company that will do the proper planning permission (for TPO'd trees), then come round and "do some work on it" (i.e. poison it) and then dissolve the company after 6 months so there's no recourse. Owner gets to blame the now dissolved company for doing shit work.
Greenbank
A local, wealthy landlord type cut down his neighbours TPO oak tree, which would have been significantly older than the tree in question got a £3k fine.
https://www.hampshirechronicle.co.uk/news/19808228.romsey-man-peter-mann-made-pay-3-000-court-chopping-neighbours-tree/