Tree Preservation Orders
Many trees are protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs).
These have normally arisen from the need to protect trees from
development pressure, many date back to the 1950’s but new TPOs
continue to be served.
Formal consent needs to be obtained from the Council to fell or
prune a protected tree. There are some exemptions where trees are
dead, dying or dangerous but we still need to be informed;
replacement tree planting is usually required where trees are
felled or die.
Applications for works to trees subject to a preservation order
must be made on form which you can download or print off by
following the link below:
You can also submit an online application to the Council (new
window) via the Planning Portal.
For more information on the location of TPOs and advice about
carrying out works on trees protected by Tree Preservation Orders
contact the Arboricultural Officer on 01394 444241
or email
communityandeconomic@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk.
Trees in conservation areas
Conservation areas are designated by local
planning authorities to protect the character of historic towns and
villages - the buildings, trees and landscape. Trees in
conservation areas are afforded protection. Written notification to
fell or prune a tree in a conservation area has to be given to the
Council, we then have 6 weeks to consider the proposal. A TPO could
be served if the tree is considered to be of significant amenity
value.
You can use the application for tree works form to notify the
Council of proposed works to trees in conservation areas which you
can download or print off by following the link below:
For trees in conservation areas only - the
Council will still accept six weeks written notice of precisely
specified intended works which must be accompanied by a plan which
clearly shows the trees to be worked on and their location.
For more information about trees in conservation areas contact
the Arboricultural Officer on 01394 444241 or
email
communityandeconomic@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk.
Trees on development sites
On sites where there are trees subject to preservation orders,
within conservation areas or where there are important amenity,
landscape, landmark or heritage trees, a tree survey (location,
species, dimensions) and tree condition report
incorporating BS5837:2005 Trees in relation to construction
(new window) will be required when an
application for planning permission is
made.
As well as the trees, the survey must indicate key landscape
features such as ponds, hedges and wildlife corridors that may be
affected by the proposed development. Trees to be felled and trees
to be retained should be clearly delineated. The information should
provide details of tree and hedge protection, for those retained,
in accordance with BS5837.
Please also see the guidance
Protection of trees on development sites (new
window PDF 168KB).
For larger applications it will also be appropriate to provide
details of the landscape strategy for the site, including
indications of new planting.
An arboricultural method statement should be provided that sets
out the information regarding the measures to be taken to protect
the trees shown to be retained on the submitted drawings, schedules
of any necessary tree work and proposals for long-term
maintenance.
Please contact the Arboricultural Officer if you would
like further information or if you see trees on development
sites being damaged or felled. Call 01394 444241
or email
communityandeconomic@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk
Tree planting and aftercare
The enhancement of the green environment is essential to the
well-being of its inhabitants. Trees, shrubs and hedges can provide
shelter, shade, homes for wildlife, fuel, decoration, pollution
control and beauty. The Council promotes the planting of
new trees, hedges and shrubs on new developments and on open space
where opportunities arise. We encourage residents to care for trees
and hedges that have been planted in their own gardens by
developers.
There are usually opportunities for tree planting within private
gardens where it is important to choose the right tree, the right
space and to manage the tree carefully when planted.
We have produced the following guidance notes which are
available from the Arboricultural Officer:
- Planting and caring for new trees.
- Trees & hedges - planting and aftercare.
Further information may be obtained from
the Arboricultural Advice and Information Service (new
window) and the Arboricultural Association (new window).
Information and advice
For more information on any of the subjects covered above,
advice on tree management, copies of our guidance
notes and application forms contact the
Arboricultural Officer on 01394 444241 or
email
communityandeconomic@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk.