Trees in conservation areas

Works to trees covered by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) are restricted. The ‘cutting down, topping, lopping, uprooting, wilful damage and wilful destruction’ of such trees without council permission is prohibited.

In a conservation area, trees that do not have a TPO are also protected. Those intending to carry out works that would be prohibited if a TPO were in place must notify the council. This is called a Section 211 Notice. Six week's notice must be given, which gives the council time to enact a tree preservation order if it's considered necessary.

There are some exceptions. A section 211 notice is not required for:

• works to a tree that is less than 75mm in diameter (measured 1.5 metres above ground level)
• the cutting down or uprooting of a tree that is less than 100mm in diameter for the sole purpose of improving the growth of other trees
• works to dead trees and branches – five days' notice is required for work on dead or dying trees, and the removal of dead branches from a living tree is allowed without notice
• works on dangerous tree branches to remove a safety risk – these can be carried out without notice, with written notice given as soon as possible thereafter
• work to prevent a tree from causing damage (for example, damage to buildings)

You can contact us for further advice.