Trees in Conservation Areas
Trees in Conservation Areas are automatically protected from being cut down or having work done to them in order to preserve the special character of the area. In addition to this, a specific tree may be protected by a Tree Preservation Order.
If you want to carry out work to or remove a tree in a Conservation Area you must give 6 weeks notice by submitting a Tree Works Consent Form or provide the notice in writing, including sufficient information as indicated in the form.
You do not normally need permission to cut down or do work to trees that are:
- Less than 75mm in diameter (measured 1.5m above ground)
- Less than 100mm in diameter (measured 1.5m above ground), if it is to help the growth of other trees
- dead or dangerous (a reputable tree surgeon should be your first contact for advice. Typically the tree surgeon will contact the council with an ‘emergency’ 5 day notice of works that are urgently necessary to remove an immediate risk of serious harm)
- a fruit tree, grown for fruit production in the course of a business or trade.
However, to ensure there is no misinterpretation of the above guidelines, it is advisable to contact us before carrying out any work.
If you wilfully damage or destroy a protected tree, you could be prosecuted and fined.
