Trees in a conservation area

The Local Planning Authority (LPA) are under a duty to preserve or enhance the character or appearance of Conservation Areas.  A key part of the character and appearance may be the trees.

Anyone proposing to carry out works to a tree in a Conservation Area must give at least 6 weeks’ notice to the LPA.

There are exceptions to this requirement. They include when the tree is dead, dying or has become dangerous and should be reported to the authority.

Please use the Planning Portal to submit your proposal electronically. You can also use their Paper Forms generator to download and print out the application form.

The notice period gives the LPA the opportunity to decide if it is necessary to impose a Tree Preservation Order.

They will have special regard to the preservation or enhancement of the character or appearance of the Conservation Area.

If the LPA decides the tree is not a part of the special character or appearance of the area, it may give consent. The authority may also allow the notice to expire without responding.

Otherwise, we may consider imposing a Tree Preservation Order.

It is a criminal offence to carry out works to a tree where notice was required and not served on the LPA.

Read information from the government about Tree Preservation Orders