Can protected trees be felled to enable development to take place?
If they are not subject to a tree preservation order (TPO) or in a conservation area, they may be removed without the council’s permission. However, if we receive an application to develop on land affected by a TPO or conservation area, the impact on the trees will be part of the whole assessment of the proposal. We will look at details such as the proximity of the proposed buildings, health and stability of the trees and their contribution to the character of the area. If the development looks likely to threaten healthy, stable and significant trees, the council may consider creating a TPO to safeguard the trees.
If an application is received to develop on land affected by a Tree Preservation Order or Conservation Area the impact on the trees will be part of a whole assessment of the proposal. We will take into account details such as the proximity of the proposed buildings, the health and stability of the trees, their contribution to the character of the area and the value in retaining them. If a site is not the subject of a Tree Preservation Order and a development looks likely to threaten healthy, stable and visually significant trees, the Council may consider creating a Tree Preservation Order in order to safeguard the trees.
If trees are not the subject of a Tree Preservation Order or do not exist within a Conservation Area they may be removed without the Council’s permission. If a planning application is received to develop land affected by a Tree Preservation Order or Conservation Area the impact on the trees will be assessed as part of the planning process.
