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Applying to work on a tree

Trees protected by a Preservation Order

If you want to do any works to a tree protected by a Tree Preservation Order, you must apply to the council for permission to do the works. There is no charge for this service.

Check if my tree has a Tree Preservation Order

Please apply for tree works online using the Planning Portal, ensuring we have all the relevant details including a site location plan. Alternatively, please complete the application form for tree work and send it to the address shown at the top of the form.

Help with the completion of the form may be found in the guidance notes on completion of tree work application form.

If you send photos of the tree(s) you want to carry out work to this may help us to process your application more quickly.

Trees within a conservation area

All trees in a conservation area that have a stem/trunk diameter of 7.5 centimetres or larger, measured at 1.5 metres from the ground, are legally protected.

If you want to do any works to a protected tree in a conservation area you must formally notify the district council. We have six weeks in which to consider the proposed works, although a Tree Preservation may be made outside this time frame.

Please apply for tree works online using the Planning Portal, ensuring we have all the relevant details including a site location plan. Alternatively, please complete the application form for tree work and send it to the address shown at the top of the form.

If you send photos of the tree(s) you want to carry out work to this may help us to process your notification more quickly.

Help with the completion of the form may be found in the guidance notes on completion of tree work application form.

On receipt of the completed form

The application or notification will be registered and an acknowledgement letter sent to you or your agent. This will specify the date that a decision should be reached by. 

Our landscape officer will then make a site visit to inspect the tree(s) in question.

It will not be necessary for you to be at home when the officer calls but if you wish to discuss the matter, or if the officer is unable to access the tree(s), this should be noted on the form and a mutually convenient date and time will be arranged. 

Amenity and arboricultural considerations will be taken into account, along with reasons you have given for the work.

Appeals

If you are unhappy with the decision (this only applies to applications to work on trees which are protected by a Tree Preservation Order) you may appeal to the Secretary of State. 

This process is free of charge and the forms are available from:

The Planning Inspectorate
Environment Team
4/04, Kite Wing, Temple Quay House
2 The Square
Temple Quay
Bristol
BS1 6PN

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Telephone: 01173 728 192
Fax: 01172 726 241