There are legal requirements that must be met before carrying out works to trees within a Conservation Area or trees that are protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO). Some trees are both protected by a TPO, and are also within a conservation area. In this case, you should only apply for consent to undertake works to a tree protected by a TPO.

Obtaining consent to work on protected trees

To obtain consent to undertake works to protected trees, you should contact us in either in writing by letter or by completing the tree consent form. You can also apply online through the Planning Portal- click here for more information.

Send your letter or form to us at:

Planning Services
Nottingham City Council
LH Box 5, Loxley House
Station Street
Nottingham
NG2 3NG

In either case please enclose a plan or a sketch plan identifying the tree or trees in question and explaining what is proposed. In the case of pruning, a sketch or photograph of the tree showing which branches are to be pruned would be helpful.

Trees are living organisms which grow and change over time, needing attention and eventual replacement. We recognise that from time to time trees may need attention or in some circumstances removal. Consent will not be unreasonably withheld.

Consent will normally be subject to conditions controlling how the work is done. If felling is proposed, often we will require replacement tree(s) of appropriate size and species to be planted. The Tree Preservation Order will then apply to any replacement.

What if consent is refused or I don't agree with the conditions?

We will usually make you aware of our intention to refuse consent or any conditions that will be attached to an approval. In these circumstances you can appeal to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (DCLG). You must submit your appeal to the Planning Inspectorate (which acts on behalf of the Secretary of State), in writing no later than 28 days after the date of decision.

Click here to access the Planning Inspectorate website for more information on appeals in relation to tree work

Carrying out work to a protected tree without permission

If you deliberately destroy a tree, or damage it in a manner likely to destroy it, you could be fined up to £20, 000 if convicted in the magistrates' court. In determining the amount of the fine, the court will take account of any financial benefit arising from the offence. For other offences you could be fined up to £2,500 for each tree. You will normally have to plant a replacement tree if the tree was cut down or destroyed.

Getting work done

Tree work is skilled and potentially dangerous. Except for very small trees it is usually best to use an experienced and competent contractor. The Arboricultural Association can advise on tree surgeons that operate in the Nottingham area or alternatively you can look in the Yellow Pages. A directory of arboricultural consultants and contractors is available on the Arboricultural Association's website

The City Council can offer general advice on work to trees in a conservation area and trees covered by a tree preservation order. Please contact the Tree Officer on 0115 8764054 or email edmund.hopkins@nottinghamcity.gov.uk if you wish to discuss the tree(s) or arrange a site visit.

Further information

Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (Sections 197-214 deal with TPOs and trees in Conservation Areas)
Town and Country Planning (Trees) Regulations 1999
Tree Preservation Orders: A Guide to the Law and Good Practice