I want to cut down/prune a tree in my garden. Do I need permission?
Yes you will need consent if the tree is:
How can I check if a tree has a preservation order on it, is within a Conservation Area, or has planning conditions attached?
You can 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.