InformationSubmitting a Planning Application for Works to Protected Trees

Local planning authorities have the statutory right to protect trees on public and private land from damage or destruction.

A Tree Preservation Order is a formal legislation making it an offence to cut down, uproot or prune a tree without approval from the Council.  Some trees in conservation areas are also protected.

All species of trees may be protected.

Planning Applications for TPO Trees

An application is required to carry out works to trees which are protected by a TPO.  To check if a tree has a Tree Preservation Order (TPO), or grows within a Conservation Area, please complete our on-line Tree Enquiry Form or use our Protected Tree Mapping Tool.  Additionally, you may like to call our Customer Service team on 01404 515616.

If a tree has a Tree Preservation Order you will need to complete and submit a Works to a Protected Tree Application.

Notifications for Tree Works in a Conservation Area (S.211 Notification)

If the tree is in a conservation area and has a stem diameter of greater than 7.5cm at a height of 1.5m above the natural ground level then a tree works in a conservation area notification (also known as a Section 211 Notice) will need to be submitted.  This can be done via the Planning Portal.

Data Protection

Any personal information which you provide will be held and used by East Devon District Council for the purpose of processing your protected tree status enquiry. Your information may also be shared within East Devon District Council for the purposes of carrying out our lawful functions. Otherwise your personal information will not be disclosed to anybody outside East Devon District Council without your permission, unless there is a lawful reason to do so, for example disclosure is necessary for crime prevention or detection purposes. Your information will be held securely and will not be retained for any longer than is necessary. There are a number of rights available to you in relation to our use of your personal information, depending on the reason for processing. Further detail about our use of your personal information can be found in the relevant Privacy Notice.