Tree FAQs
I want to cut down/prune a tree in my garden. Do I need
permission?
Yes you will need consent if the tree is:
- Protected by a tree preservation order.
- Within a Conservation Area.
- If the property is rented you may need permission from the
landlord.
- If the property is relatively new there may be conditions
attached to the original planning permission that require the
consent of the Council before any tree works can be carried
out.
How can I check if a tree has a preservation order on
it, is within a Conservation Area, or has planning conditions
attached?
Tree Preservation Orders and Conservation Areas are visible
on 'My Property' on this website. You may also call in at
the Civic Centre and ask at the Customer Contact Centre or you can
telephone the planning department Tel: 01228
817535.
What is the purpose of a tree preservation
order?
To protect trees for the public's enjoyment. This is
particularly important where trees are in immediate danger.
What type of trees can be covered by an
order?
All types, including hedgerow trees, but not hedges, bushes or
shrubs. The order can cover anything from a single tree to
woodlands.
How do I apply to work on a protected tree?
Where a tree Preservation Order protects the tree an application
to work on the tree must be made on the appropriate form. This is
available by download from this website, from the Customer Contact
Centre, or the Local Plans and Conservation Section of Carlisle
City Council.
If the tree is within a Conservation Area you will need to
notify the Council of your intention to carry out the work to the
trees. This should be done in writing and contain the following
information, location of the tree(s) and a sketch plan showing the
trees and surrounding buildings roads etc. so that the trees in
question can be easily identified, and an accurate description of
the proposed works. Your tree surgeon, or our Landscape
Architect/Tree Officer will be able to advise.
How much does an application to work on protected trees
cost or trees in Conservation Areas?
There is currently no charge for applying to work on protected
trees or trees in Conservation Areas.
If I see work being carried out on a protected tree, how
can I find out of the owner has permission?
Contact the Planning Department Tel: 01228
817535 who keep a register of applications and consents,
and will know about any authorised work.
There are trees that I think should be protected. What
can I do?
Contact us giving details of the trees, including a map if
possible, and the reasons why you think the trees should be
protected.
Does the Council become responsible for looking after
protected trees?
No. The owner remains responsible for the trees, their condition
and any damage they may cause. But they must get our permission to
carry out work on them, unless they are dying, dead or dangerous.
We may be able to offer appropriate help and advice.
How are trees on development sites
affected?
Trees on development sites can be protected by tree preservation
orders, by virtue of their location within a Conservation Area or
by conditions attached to the planning permission, or a combination
of these.
Can I carry out work on protected trees that are in the
way of proposed development?
You can only cut down or cut back protected trees if they are
directly in the way of development that is about to start, for
which you have detailed planning permission. Check first with your
local planning authority. It may prosecute you if it thinks you
have cut down or cut back excessively.
If the development does not require planning permission (for
example, putting up a garden shed) you must apply to your local
planning authority for permission under the tree preservation order
in the normal way.
Can I stop planning permission being granted - or
prevent approved development being carried out - by getting a tree
preservation order imposed on a tree on the site?
No. A tree preservation order will not prevent planning
permission being granted. But a local planning authority will
consider the risk to protected trees when deciding planning
applications.
Once planning permission is granted, any felling may be carried
out which is directly required to enable the development to go
ahead.