Protected Trees

• Trees protected by Tree Preservation Orders
• Trees within Conservation Areas

The Heritage Team provides advice on and deals with all applications/ notifications related to protected trees. Where a development proposal involves trees the following may be required to accompany a planning application

• A tree survey which plots trees and their canopy spreads
• A condition survey which assesses the condition of trees and makes proposals for their future management
• A tree constraints plan which calculates root protection areas for trees to be retained
• An aboricultural methods statement and tree protection plan which details necessary tree works and tree protection during construction

All of the above should be in accordance with Britsh Standard number 5837:2005.

Trees protected by Tree Preservation Orders

A Tree Preservation Order is a Direction made by a Local Planning Authority that makes it an offence to fell, prune,  uproot, wilfully damage or destroy a tree without the Authority's permission.  There are over 450 Tree Preservation Orders in Wychavon protecting trees which contribute to the amenity of the area.

Proposals for development in the vicinity of trees covered by Tree Preservation Orders will be assessed to ensure that there are no/minimal adverse impacts on the trees and their wider setting.  Planning applications will be determined against policies in

• the Adopted Wychavon District Local Plan, in particular policy ENV8
• the Worcester Structure Plan, in particular policy CTC.5
• the West Midlands Regional Spacial Strategy

Making an application

• All works to trees, including branches, roots and operations such as changing soil levels or ground surfacing require our consent – application forms  (159.08 KB) are available from us and we have eight weeks in which to make a decision. There is no charge for this service.
• If you want to place a Tree Preservation Order on a tree – you should write in setting out the reasons and any details that you have on the species or size of the tree, and send a plan showing the location of the tree.
• If you want a copy of a Tree Preservation Order – you can contact us with the address of the Order. A nominal photocopying charge may apply.
• View the weekly list of tree works applications and notifications.
• Find out if a property is affected by a Tree Preservation Order.

Trees within Conservation Areas

All works to trees over 7.5cm in diameter measured 1m from the ground require you to notify us using the application form  (159.08 KB), we have six weeks in which to decide whether to serve a Tree Preservation Order on the trees.

There is no charge for this service.

For further information contact:

Sally Griffiths,
Tree and Landscape Officer
Telephone: 01386 565308
E-mail: sally.griffiths@wychavon.gov.uk

Useful links:

• General Landscape Advice Note  (521.09 KB)
• Tree Advice Note  (443.69 KB)
• Planning for Trees Advice Note  (500.65 KB)
• Landscape Proposals Advice Note  (511.53 KB)
• Tree Preservation Order Application Form  (159.08 KB)
• Trees in Conservation Areas Notification Form  (159.08 KB)
• The Arboricultural Association – provide information on choosing a tree surgeon.
• Communities and Local Government – provide information on Tree Preservation Order law and appeal procedures.
• The Land Registry – provide information on land ownership.
• The Forestry Commission – provide information on Felling Licences that may be required to fell trees outside gardens, churchyards or public open spaces.
• Local Tree Contractors  (19.27 KB)