Work to Trees

Churchyard in spring sunshine with Large conifer tree Find advice on how to apply for all works to trees and help maintain the traditional and valuable features of our churchyards.

  • The felling or major pruning of trees and shrubs must take place outside of the nesting season which starts in February and ends in September.  It is an offence to disturb birds while they're nesting, building a nest, in or near a nest that contains their young.

  • Bats also use trees as roosts and are legally protected.  Please refer to the guidance note by the Bats Conservation Trust.

Felling, lopping or topping of healthy trees with diameter under 75mm

Felling, lopping or topping of a tree the diameter of any stem of which does not exceed 75mm (measured over the bark at a height of 1.5 meters above ground level). Provided the works do not relate to any tree in respect of which a tree preservation order is in force, or which is in a Conservation Area, the work will fall within List A8(1) permission.  This means that no further permission is required.  Please log the work on the online faculty system

Felling of healthy trees with diameter exceeding 75mm
Felling of a tree(s) the diameter of any stem of which exceeds 75mm (measured over the bark at a height of 1.5 metres above ground level) and which is not dead, dying or dangerous

This work requires faculty permission.  Please apply using the online faculty system following the instructions highlighted in yellow.

Within the application you will need to provide a photo of the affected tree(s), a site plan indicating the location of the tree(s), a report by an arboriculturalist to explain the need for the work and a description of work. You will also need to include a supportive PCC minute.

In addition, in the case of any tree with a tree preservation order in force or which is in a conservation area, you will need to be in touch with your Local Planning Authority with regard to any secular permissions which may be required.

Felling of any tree that is dying or dead or has become dangerous (to either property or people)

This work falls within List B7(2).  Please apply using the online faculty system following the instructions highlighted in yellow.

Within the application you will need to provide a photo of the affected tree(s), a site plan indicating the location of the tree(s), a report by an arboriculturalist to explain the need for felling and a description of work.

In addition, in the case of any tree with a tree preservation order in force or which is in a conservation area, you will need to be in touch with your Local Planning Authority with regard to any secular permissions which may be required.

Lopping or topping of a dead, dying or dangerous (to either propery or people) tree

This work falls within List A8(2) meaning that no further permission is required.  Please log the work on the online faculty system

Removal of dead branches from a living tree

This work falls within List A8(3) meaning that no further permission is required.  Please log the work on the online faculty system

All other works to trees except felling

This work falls within List B7(3).  Please apply using the online faculty system following the instructions highlighted in yellow.

Within the application you will need to provide a photo of the affected tree(s), a site plan indicating the location of the tree(s), a report by an arboriculturalist to explain the need for the work and a description of work.

In addition, in the case of any tree with a tree preservation order in force or which is in a conservation area, you will need to be in touch with your Local Planning Authority with regard to any secular permissions which may be required.

Planting of trees

This work falls within List B7(1).  Please apply using the online faculty system following the instructions highlighted in yellow. 

Within the application you will need to provide a photo of the proposed location, details of the tree and a site plan indicating the location.  Please consider the proximity of the tree and the impact it will have when fully grown on walls, graves, roofs etc

Page last updated: Wednesday 14th June 2023 1:47 PM

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