Protected Trees

This is an order made by the borough council to protect significant trees, which may be under threat. The order makes it an offence to cut down, top, lop, uproot, wilfully damage, or destroy a tree without the council’s permission.

What is a conservation area, and how does this affect trees growing within it?

A conservation area is an area designated by the council for its cultural and heritage importance. All trees over 7.5cm in diameter when measured at 1.5m from ground level are protected by virtue of growing in a conservation area. It is an offence to cut down, top, lop, uproot, wilfully damage, or destroy a tree without the council’s permission.

What trees are protected?

Any tree, group of trees or woodland may be protected. Contact us (01256 844 844) if you have an enquiry, or use the local view online mapping system to check to see if your property is located in a conservation area or whether nearby trees are covered by a tree preservation order, although please take time to read the disclaimer, and if you are at all unsure then contact us by phone.

Inform us about privately owned trees

Before performing any arboricultural work to a protected tree, an application must be made to the council.

Please click here for Application for tree works - Works to trees subject to a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) and/or Notification of proposed works to trees in conservation areas.

Please note that there is no fee for applying for works to protected trees.

How can I request a Tree Preservation Order?

Government advice requires that Tree Preservation Orders are used with discretion, to ensure appropriate trees are protected, and the borough council can fully justify its reasons for serving an order. When considering a request, the council is required to establish that:

• the trees are clearly visible from a public place, such as a highway, public footpath or bridleway
• the loss of the trees would have a significant impact on the local environment and its enjoyment by the public
• the trees are in reasonable health and condition

In addition, the trees should also be under threat, for example from proposed development or a change in land ownership.

A Tree Preservation Order request form and guidance notes can be downloaded below.

View Current Applications

Please click here to search the planning applications register for applications to work on protected trees.