Tree management
Trees are an important part of our natural life support system.
The District Council has become increasingly involved in landscaping matters, particularly since the loss of trees through Dutch Elm disease and greater public awareness of the value of trees as an important element in the quality of the environment. Trees that contribute significantly to the local environment can be protected with a Tree Preservation Order (TPO), especially if they are likely to be felled as part of new development.
The consent of the District Council has to be obtained before any work is carried out on such protected trees, except in cases where the tree is dead, dying or dangerous. When permission is granted for the felling of a tree a replanting condition may be attached to ensure that the tree is replaced with the same or a similar species. The TPO then automatically applies to the new tree. There are almost 200 TPO's within the North Wiltshire District at the moment.
Anyone wishing to carry out work on trees over 75mm in diameter within a Conservation Area has to give six weeks' notice of their intention to the District Council. This gives the District Council a chance to make a TPO where necessary. TPO and TCA application forms can be downloaded here - Application to carry out works on a tree (PDF 36Kb)
Guidance Notes for Submitting Tree Applications
You can use our online mapping system to check if the tree is within the Conservation Area or covered by a Tree Preservation Order.
Prosecution for unauthorised works to trees can lead to a maximum fine of £20,000 or twice the value of the tree. This applies to a contravention of a TPO or works to a tree in a Conservation Area where proper notice has not been given to the Council.
Many planning permissions have landscaping conditions attached to them to ensure that new development blends in with the surroundings. Considerable help and advice is given to applicants to ensure that a high standard is achieved.
The District Council is also consulted on applications for Felling Licences administered and determined by the Forestry Commission. The District Council can only concern itself with the amenity aspects of the felling. Further information can be obtained via the Forestry Commission website at www.forestry.gov.uk Certain trees are exempt from felling licensing such as garden or fruit trees, all trees under eight centimetres in diameter, trees that are either dead or dangerous and if the felling is in accordance with an approved plan under the Dedication or Forestry Grant Schemes.
Advice and help is available to anyone on landscaping or arboricultural matters even if it does not involve a TPO or planning permission.
The consent of the District Council has to be obtained before any work is carried out on such protected trees, except in cases where the tree is dead, dying or dangerous. When permission is granted for the felling of a tree a replanting condition may be attached to ensure that the tree is replaced with the same or a similar species. The TPO then automatically applies to the new tree. There are almost 200 TPO's within the North Wiltshire District at the moment.
Anyone wishing to carry out work on trees over 75mm in diameter within a Conservation Area has to give six weeks' notice of their intention to the District Council. This gives the District Council a chance to make a TPO where necessary. TPO and TCA application forms can be downloaded here - Application to carry out works on a tree (PDF 36Kb)
Guidance Notes for Submitting Tree Applications
You can use our online mapping system to check if the tree is within the Conservation Area or covered by a Tree Preservation Order.
Prosecution for unauthorised works to trees can lead to a maximum fine of £20,000 or twice the value of the tree. This applies to a contravention of a TPO or works to a tree in a Conservation Area where proper notice has not been given to the Council.
Many planning permissions have landscaping conditions attached to them to ensure that new development blends in with the surroundings. Considerable help and advice is given to applicants to ensure that a high standard is achieved.
The District Council is also consulted on applications for Felling Licences administered and determined by the Forestry Commission. The District Council can only concern itself with the amenity aspects of the felling. Further information can be obtained via the Forestry Commission website at www.forestry.gov.uk Certain trees are exempt from felling licensing such as garden or fruit trees, all trees under eight centimetres in diameter, trees that are either dead or dangerous and if the felling is in accordance with an approved plan under the Dedication or Forestry Grant Schemes.
Advice and help is available to anyone on landscaping or arboricultural matters even if it does not involve a TPO or planning permission.
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