We want to protect our trees, keep as many healthy trees as we can and encourage people to plant new ones.
We also have a role to protect trees in residential gardens and on development sites.
Work to trees will need special permission if the tree:
- is in a conservation area
- has a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) attached to it
- has a planning condition that protects it
Read guidance on TPOs and conservation areas.
Trees in conservation areas
Conservation areas are areas of special architectural or historical importance. You need to notify us it you plan to prune or remove trees in these areas.
You must give us form notice at least six weeks before you want to do the work.
You can apply to do works to trees on the Planning Portal. Applying online means you:
- can work on your applications in draft before submission
- get immediate delivery and acknowledgement
- get an online record of your completed application
Read guidance on completing the TPO in conservation areas form and find what supporting evidence you may need.
Information you need to apply:
- the address where the tree is located
- owner's telephone number and email (where applicable)
- details of the person who is applying (if different from the owner)
- phone number and email of the applicant (if different from the owner)
- a clear specification of works
- why you need to do the works
- a plan of the site and any notable features to identify the tree
- photographs of the tree
- any extra supporting reports or information that will help us assess
What happens next
We have six weeks to object to your proposals. This gives us the opportunity to protect trees of value that the proposed works may harm. We may need to do a site visit.
We can only make a formal objection by making a Tree Preservation Order on the tree(s). Often if we do not agree with the works, we will discuss alternatives with you.
If you do not receive a decision within six weeks of your notice you can carry out the works you gave notice for.
If we set a TPO you will need to make a TPO application for consent before doing any works. You have the right to object to the TPO. We will explain how to do this on the decision notice.
Tree Preservation Orders
TPOs make it an offence to cut down, top, lop, uproot, damage or destroy a tree without permission. You can get a fine of £20,000 for destroying a tree with a TPO.
There are about 500 TPOs in the Royal Borough.
Download the list of TPOs:
If you are planning work to a tree with a TPO you can apply on the Planning Portal.
Read guidance on completing the TPO form and what supporting evidence you may need.
What happens next
- We will acknowledge your application within 10 days
- We will then make an assessment
- We will get back to you within eight weeks
You should wait to hear from us in that time. We often will get back to you before that time.
A tree officer may carry out a site visit. This is to assess the proposed works. They may discuss alternatives with you.
You must receive a decision from us before you can start any pruning works.
If you do not receive our decision within eight weeks, contact your case officer for an update. You will need the application number from your acknowledgement letter.