Question: Do I need consent to fell trees in my garden?
Answer: Only if they are protected by a Tree Preservation Order, are within a Conservation Area or there is a condition of planning consent relating to the trees.
Question: Do I need consent to fell trees on my land, where it is not part of the garden?
Answer: Again, you must check if it is protected by a Tree Preservation Order, is located in a Conservation Area or if the trees are large enough to require a Felling Licence from the Forestry Authority.
Does the Council take responsibility for looking after all TPO trees?
Answer: No. At all times the tree owner remains responsible for the trees, their condition and any damage that they cause.
Question: Who can carry out work to protected trees?
Answer: Anyone can apply to carry out work to protected trees. It is not necessary to have any legal interest in the land upon which the trees stand. However, it is always best to consult the tree owner because regardless of the decision made by the Local Planning Authority (LPA), it may still be necessary to obtain the owners permission.
Do I need permission to cut my tree down if it is dead or dangerous?
Answer: Permission is not required for the necessary felling or pruning of a tree for health or safety reasons where the tree is immediately dangerous, considerable caution should be exercised when deciding if the tree fits into this category. It is advisable to give the LPA at least five days notice before cutting down a tree under this exemption, the burden of proof always remains with the person cutting down the tree to be able to justify any such action. Permission is not required for removing a dead tree or dead wood from within the crown of a tree.
What if my TPO tree work application is refused?
Answer: Should the LPA refuse an application, it will explain the reasons why and also describe what work (if any) will be acceptable in a new application. The applicant can then decide whether to submit a new application or appeal against the refusal to the Secretary of State.
Is compensation payable for loss or damage arising from a refusal of permission to carry out works, or the imposition of conditions?
Answer: Compensation may be payable under certain circumstances dependent on the date that the order was served.
Question: Can I ask for a Tree Preservation Order to be placed on a tree?
Answer: Yes, but the Council has to ensure that serving a TPO is justified in the interests of public amenity and that there is a realistic possibility of trees being damaged or removed.
Further Information
Further guidance about tree preservation procedures for tree owners, the general public and amenity groups can be found in the leaflet Protected Trees: a guide to tree preservation procedures.
Contact Details
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Eden District Council
Planning Policy, Department of Communities, Mansion House, Penrith, Cumbria CA11 7YG
Telephone: 01768 817817
Fax: (01768) 890732
Email: loc.plan@eden.gov.uk
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Rob Sim (Arboriculturist)
(Thursday and Friday only)
Telephone: 01768 212159
Email: rob.sim@eden.gov.uk
