Trees and hedgerows in conservation areas

Trees and hedgerows make an important contribution to our environment. There are a number of safeguards within the planning legislation that may affect your ability to do works to trees and hedgerows.

When planning permission is granted, conditions might be added that requires the submission of and carrying out of a landscaping scheme. In such circumstances the trees planted will, normally, be required to be retained. If work was proposed to trees or other planting covered by a condition then the written permission from the authority would first be required.

Prior to such work being undertaken you should inform the council of your intentions, confirming where the tree or trees are, what work you wish to undertake and why. In cases of felling you should comment as to whether or not you intend any re-planting.

Benefits will come if you get an independent appraisal of the intended tree work from a specialist tree expert and submit their report as part of your proposals.

Following receipt of your application, the council will within 6 weeks either confirm acceptance of the work or, if they object, will make the trees the subject of a tree preservation order. If no decision is received within six weeks then consent is gained by default.

To make a planning application for conservation area consent, please refer to our planning pages.