Summary

Information on works to trees and restrictions relating to tree preservation orders and trees located within conservation areas.

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We have the power to make tree preservation orders and the authority to regulate works to trees within a conservation area.

 

This power allows us to prevent the unnecessary felling of trees and where work is required, that it is to an acceptable standard. It ensures that the visual amenities of an area are not compromised by unnecessary felling or inappropriate works to such trees.

 

Conservation area trees 

If the tree is located in a conservation area you are required to notify the planning section of any work. This means that we must deal with the notification within six weeks of the date the notification has been registered. We may grant consent for the works or if we feel the work may be harmful to the trees we may choose to put a preservation order on the tree for its protection. There is no right of appeal against this, however you do have the right to make representations on the creation of a tree preservation order. Information on preservation orders can be found below. If we grant consent for the works you have two years in which to complete the works before you will need to re-notify us.

 

Trees covered by a tree preservation order (TPO)

If the tree is covered by a tree preservation order you are required to apply for permission to undertake any works. A decision should be issued within eight weeks of receipt of the application.

 

We can then either:

• Grant consent for the work
• Grant consent with conditions; or
• Refuse consent

 

In the case of the latter two instances you can appeal against the imposition of conditions or the refusal|.

 

All applications for works to trees must be submitted on appropriate forms. An online version of the tree application form is available on the application forms| page.

 

The Hedgerow Regulations now require owners to give prior notification to us of any proposals to remove hedges. Those contemplating such works are advised to contact us for advice and assistance prior to undertaking such works.

 

For information regarding high hedges please see the high hedges| web page.