Conservation areas are areas of special architectural or historic
interest the character or appearance of which it is desirable to
preserve or enhance. They are designated by the Local Planning
Authority (LPA) and are often, though not always, centred around
listed buildings. Other building and landscape features, including
trees may also contribute to the special character of a
conservation area.
The Town and Country Planning Act 1990 makes special provision
for the trees in conservation areas which are not the subject of a
Tree Preservation Order (TPO) . Under section
211 anyone proposing to cut down or carry out work on a tree in a
conservation area is required to give the local planning authority
(LPA) six weeks prior notice.
As part of the drive to streamline the planning system, the
Government has introduced a National Standard Planning Application
Form, known as 1APP. 1APP supersedes all existing planning
application forms, and applications made on other forms after that
date will not be valid.
You do not have to give notice for work on a tree with a diameter
not exceeding 7.5 cm measured at 1.5m above the ground.
Anyone who cuts down, uproots, tops, lops, wilfully destroys or
wilfully damages a tree in a conservation area without giving a
section 211 notice is guilty of an offence. The same penalties as
those for contravening a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) apply. If
convicted in a Magistrate's Court of cutting down a tree a fine of
up to £20,000. Anyone who carries out work in a way that is not
likely to destroy the tree is liable to a fine in the Magistrate's
Court of up to £2,500. If a tree in the conservation areas is
removed, uprooted or destroyed in contravention of section 211 the
landowner is placed under a duty to plant another tree of an
appropriate size and species at the same place as soon as he or she
reasonably can.
Further information on this can be obtained from our Landscape
Adviser 01502 523075
Contact Information
The offices are open to the public between:
9.00am - 5.00pm Monday - Thursday
9.00am - 4.30pm Friday
If you have any comments on our service, our staff will be
pleased to hear from
you.