Trees and hedgerows

Certain trees and hedgerows are protected by law and must not be removed without permission.

Trees

All planning applications for development sites that contain or have adjacent trees should include a tree survey in accordance with British Standard 5837: 2012 Trees in Relation to Construction. This information should form the basis of which trees should be retained and the distance and proximity of development in relation to trees.

The Planning Policy and Environment Team is responsible for making and managing Tree Preservation Orders within the Borough and for administering applications to carry out works on all protected trees. In general, it is an offence to cut down, top, lop, wilfully damage or destroy or uproot a protected tree without the consent of the local planning authority.

The section also offers a free advice service for owners or people affected by protected trees.

For more information please see Protected trees and woodlands.

Please Note: Planning Services are not responsible for maintaining trees on Council owned land - for these areas please contact 01302 736000.

Hedgerows

Many hedgerows are protected by the Hedgerow Regulations 1997. Under these regulations it is against the law to remove or destroy certain hedgerows without permission from the local planning authority. These hedgerows usually bound agricultural fields, common land or areas of special scientific interest and advice should be sought if works are proposed.

For more information please see Hedgerows.

High Hedges

Part 8 of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003 give the Council powers to intervene in disputes over high hedges, for more information go to Hedges.

Other information:

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Last updated: 29 October 2024 16:03:23

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