What a conservation area is

Conservation areas are areas of special architectural or historical interest designated by the council to preserve and enhance their appearance. They vary greatly in their nature and their particular special character comes from the historic pattern of roads, footpaths, building styles and garden settings, boundary walls and from their trees.

• Conservation areas

The status of trees growing within a conservation area

In recognition of the special contribution of trees, conservation area legislation introduced in 1965 includes the blanket protection of all trees having a stem diameter greater than 75mm when measured at 1.5 metres above ground level.

Carrying out work on trees in a conservation area

You must give 6 weeks written notice to the council, prior to carrying out any works to a tree over the threshold size.

• Applying to work on trees growing in a conservation area

Carrying out work on trees in a conservation area that are also covered by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO)

If a tree located within a conservation area is already subject to a Tree Preservation Order, the Tree Preservation Order takes precedence and you must apply for permission under that legislation.

• Applying to carry out works to trees subject to a Tree Preservation Order (TPO)
• Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs)

What happens after you have sent in details of your proposed trees work

• How your application is assessed

Can the council attach any conditions if it approves the work?

No conditions can be attached to the approval of works to a tree in a conservation area.

If you carry out work on a tree within a conservation area without giving prior notice

• If you cut down, uproot or wilfully destroy a tree, or wilfully damage (including cutting roots), top or lop a tree in a manner likely to destroy it, you could be fined up to £20,000 for each offence.
• In determining the amount of the fine, the court will take account of the actual, or likely, financial benefit arising from the offence.
• For other offences you could be fined up to £2,500.
• You will normally have to plant a replacement tree if the tree was removed or destroyed.

Trees contacts

Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs), trees in conservation areas and tree work applications

Report trees causing an obstruction on pavements and footpaths, or obscuring street lighting

• Report Overhanging vegetation and/or weeds

Find out who owns trees

• Land ownership

Trees owned by the council