- Wednesday, April 23, 2025
The businessman appeared at Chelmsford magistrates’ court with four defendants on June 22 and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
By: Shubham Ghosh
SUKH Chamdal, the founder and chief executive of the egg-free Cake Box franchise, is facing charges of illegally felling protected trees in Essex. The businessman, who started the bakery franchise after his daughter expressed her desire to have a birthday cake without eggs, pleaded not guilty to the charges last month.
The case was brought by the Epping Forest district council, accusing Chamdal and four other defendants of “causing or allowing” the destruction of at least 132 trees in Debden Hall woodland. On June 22, they appeared at Chelmsford magistrates’ court.
The trees were allegedly cut down to make space for a proposed luxury mansion spanning over 9,000 square feet. Tree preservation orders, which protect specific species or woodlands, prohibit the cutting, topping, uprooting or wilful damage of trees without written consent from the authorities.
Chamdal is scheduled to appear at Chelmsford crown court later this month to face charges of breaching the tree preservation order, The Daily Telegraph reported. If found guilty, the 61-year-old entrepreneur could face an unlimited fine and be required to replace the felled trees.
Chamdal’s franchise business, Cake Box, was listed on the London Stock Exchange five years ago. With 205 shops, the company reported a 5.6 per cent annual increase in revenue, reaching nearly £35 million. However, the company’s spokesperson declined to comment on the ongoing prosecution.
Tree preservation orders are designed to protect woodlands and specific trees that contribute to the local environment and public enjoyment. Local authorities exercise judgment in deciding whether to issue these orders, considering the potential negative impact on the environment if the trees are removed. The orders are meant to bring a reasonable degree of public benefit in the present or future.
