Within conservation areas, all but the smallest trees are protected. Anyone proposing to carry out works or remove trees in conservation areas must first give formal notice to the City Council. Notice is required for works to trees that have a trunk diameter of more than 75mm when measured at 1.5m from ground level (or more than 100mm if reducing the number of trees to benefit the growth of other trees).
You can find out of your property is located in a conservation area by viewing our list of conservation areas.
Giving notice to the council for works to trees in conservation areas
A standard national Planning Application form must be used. Guidance notes are available.
After you have made a valid application, you will receive an acknowledgement, and then the council has six weeks within which we can object to your proposals. This gives us the opportunity to protect trees of amenity value, which may be harmed by the proposed works. A site visit is usually carried out. We can only object formally by making a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) on the tree(s) concerned. In many cases, where we feel that the works are inappropriate, we may discuss alternative work with you. If you do not receive a decision within six weeks of acknowledgement of your application, then you can carry out the works you gave notice for, but no more. If a TPO is made this will prevent you doing the work without making an application for consent. You will have the right to object to the TPO and we will provide details on how to do this.
Unauthorised works to trees in conservation areas
We will try to investigate reports of unauthorised works to trees in conservation areas within one working day. To report unauthorised works, please telephone our Helpline on (0116) 252 7000, or see our Contact Us page.
Advice and guidance
For advice and guidance on trees in conservation areas, please contact the Council's Planning Officer (Trees) in the Conservation & Nature Team.
