Isle Of Wight Tree Consultancy
Working on Trees in Conservation Areas: What You Need to Know
Conservation areas are carefully designated regions recognised for their exceptional architectural or historical significance. These areas are chosen to protect their unique character and aesthetic appeal, preserving their intrinsic value for future generations to appreciate. On the Isle of Wight, there are currently 36 designated conservation areas, each documented and delineated and can be found on the public access tool.
Please see here for current conservation areas on the Isle of Wight.
Conservation areas are designated to protect and enhance the special architectural and historic interest of a place. If you plan to work on a tree within a conservation area, it’s essential to understand the regulations and procedures in place to ensure compliance with the GB law.
What do I need to know when working on a tree within a conservation area?
When working on a tree within a conservation area, you should be aware of the following:
Rights of Entry: The local planning authority, or any person duly authorised by the authority, may enter land for surveying purposes related to making or confirming a Tree Preservation Order (TPO). However, entering Crown land requires consent from the appropriate Crown body.
Conservation Area Consent: In addition to any permissions needed under the Town and Country Planning Act, you may require Conservation Area Consent for works on trees with a trunk diameter exceeding 75mm when measured at 1.5 meters above ground level.
What are Tree Preservation Orders?
Also known as TPO
Tree Preservation Orders are legal designations made by local planning authorities to protect specific trees, groups of trees, or woodlands. These orders prohibit the cutting down, uprooting, topping, lopping, wilful damage, or destruction of trees without the authority’s consent.
What are Tree Surveys?
Why Do We Need Them?
Tree surveys involve the systematic collection of data about trees on a particular site. These surveys assess factors such as tree species, size, health, and structural integrity. Tree surveys are crucial for understanding the impact that proposed work may have on the existing tree population, the biodiversity it supports and the health and safety risks it may pose to public life and property.
Tree surveys play a crucial role in understanding the ecological, structural, and safety aspects of trees within a given area.
How to do Applications for Working on Protected Trees:
When seeking permission to work on protected trees, follow these steps:
Submit an Application: Complete the necessary application form, providing details about the proposed works and supporting documents like tree reports or surveys.
Use the Standard Form: Present the Tree Preservation Order using the standard form specified in the Town and Country Planning (Tree Preservation) (England) Regulations 2012. Ensure that the order specifies the category of protection owing to the trees and includes a clear map indicating the tree’s position and location.
Conservation Area Consent: If your work involves trees in conservation areas, secure Conservation Area Consent in addition to any required permissions under the Town and Country Planning Act.
- Conservation vs TPO: The main differences between a CA notice and a TPO application is that one is a notice of intended works giving the LA reasonable time to object (6-weeks) and the other is an application asking for permission that should be reviewed LA and replied to within 8 weeks.
Greenscapes Tree Consultancy can act as an agent on your behalf guiding you through the paperwork and speeding up the process by making sure your applications is submitted correctly giving you the best chance of a timely approval.
