The trees in these areas, over a specified size (7.5cm diameter stem, measured at 1.5m above the ground, 10cm if thinning to assist the growth of other trees) are subject to controls, the provisions of which are set out in the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

Anyone proposing to carry out works to trees in a conservation area is required to give six weeks written notice by making a planning application. 

This notice gives the local authority the opportunity to consider whether a Tree Preservation Order should be made to protect the trees.

An Arboricultural Officer will inspect your tree during the 6 weeks notice period. If the tree is of importance to the character and appearance of the Conservation Area then we may decide to place a Tree Preservation Order on it.

This may limit the amount of work which can be carried out on your tree.

If you do not hear from us within 6 weeks you can go ahead and have the work carried out. You may wish to check with the Arboricultural Officer first that no objection is being raised.

Find out whether you are in a conservation area using our online mapping system.