Works to Trees: Notes for Applicants
Consent is required before any works are carried out to a tree protected by a Tree Preservation Order, including even minor pruning. Trees in Conservation Areas are also protected and formal notification of any proposed works to trees must be served on the Local Planning Authority at least six weeks before they are carried out. There are exceptions to this requirement, but it is up to the person carrying out the works to prove that an exception applies. More information is given in the free leaflet, “Protected Trees: a guide to tree preservation procedures”, which is produced by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions. If in doubt check with the Council (telephone (0116) 252 7263).
It is advisable that works to trees should be carried out by a properly qualified and insured arboriculturist. Such a person would also be able to give you advice about your trees and help you with the application. A list of contractors approved by the Arboricultural Association is available from the Council.
Applications for Tree Preservation Order consent, and notifications of proposed works to trees in a Conservation Area, are public documents, and are available to be inspected and commented on by any person. It is important that your application shows clearly what you propose to do.
The following notes are to help you with your application.
For Applications for Tree Preservation Order consent, three copies of the completed application form and three copies of a plan showing the location of the trees are required.
For Notifications of Proposed Works to Trees in a Conservation Area, two copies of the completed application form and two copies of a plan showing the location of the trees are required.
If you have any reports or supporting documents you wish to be considered, you should include them with your application. You are advised to retain a copy of your submission for your own records.
1 Purpose of the Application
Indicate what the application is for.
2 Applicant’s and Agent's details
State your own name, address and daytime telephone number. If you are using an agent to deal with the application for you all contact will normally be with them at the address and telephone number provided.
3 The Site and the Applicant’s interest
Give the address or location of the trees. This will normally, but not necessarily, be your own address.
State whether you own the trees. You do not need to be the owner of a tree to make an application (although you are likely to need the owner’s permission to carry out works to any tree you do not own).
4 Trees affected
It is important that there is no doubt which trees you propose to work on and all trees must be identified clearly by reference to a plan. The scale of the plan and/or any dimensions marked on it must be in metric measurements. The plan should show all the trees on the site as well as any buildings and the site boundaries.
5 Proposed works
Describe the work you wish to carry out. If the proposal is for pruning of any kind you should make clear exactly what work you propose. Vagueness may lead to delay in dealing with your application. Your description may refer to particular branches by reference to a diagram or photograph, or to certain dimensions of a tree, or to a more general thinning or reduction of the crown by a stated amount. If in doubt seek advice from a qualified arboriculturist or the Council (telephone (0116) 252 7263).
6 Reasons for the work
State the full reasons for your application so that these can be considered against the amenity value of the trees. If your reasons relate to damage to a building you may be requested to provide evidence that damage has been caused by the tree or trees indicated on your application.
7 Proposals for replanting
If you have any proposals for replanting, state the type of trees and the locations you propose.
You must sign and date all copies of the application form, and send the appropriate number of copies, together with plans, to the address shown at the end of the form.
