Planning

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Works to a protected tree 

When to use a Works to trees application

You can use this application type to notify us about any works that you plan to do to a protected tree. Protected trees include those covered by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or those that grow in a conservation area. You will also need to contact us if you want to prune branches overhanging from a neighbour’s protected tree.

View guidance from the Planning Portal about when you need to contact us before doing works that will impact a protected tree. 

Your application needs to consider the effect of development on trees covered by a TPO or in a conservation area. This applies to all planning application types, including for permitted development. 

View more information about what you need to submit with a planning application that may impact a tree.

When you are ready, you can submit your planning application on the Planning Portal.

Apply for planning permission 

Validation checklist for Works to trees applications

Required for all Works to trees applications

  • Application form

    What you need to do

    Provide your contact information and details about the works that you plan to do.

    Make sure you:

    • use the 'Application for tree works: works to trees subject to a tree preservation order (TPO) and/or notification of proposed works to trees in a conservation area' application form from the Planning Portal
    • fill in all relevant parts of the form
    • sign and date the application form before you submit it

    If you're not able to submit your application online, download copies of all application forms from the Planning Portal website.

    Why we need this

    This is a national requirement set out in The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) 2015 (as amended).

  • Location Plan

    What you need to do

    Submit a plan of the site showing the application site in relation to the surrounding area.

    Make sure you:

    • scale plans at 1:1250 or 1:2500 and include a scale bar on each plan, on A4 or A3 paper size 
    • use an up-to-date base map
    • show roads or buildings on land adjoining the application site (labelling at least two roads)
    • outline the application site clearly in red; this must include all land required for access to the site from a public highway, visibility splays, landscaping, car parking and open areas around buildings
    • outline any additional land under the ownership of the applicant in blue if it immediately adjoins the proposed area

    Refer to how to prepare a location plan.

    Why we need this

    This is a national requirement set out in The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) 2015 (as amended).

  • Supporting information

    What you need to do 

    To support your application for works on a tree, you will need to provide the following details:

    • a sketch map of the tree(s) location. This does not have to be to scale but demonstrating the distances between trees, boundaries, properties and relevant features is advised. You should include adjoining properties and roads
    • the tree type and condition
    • the applicant and other parties interest in the tree
    • description of the intended works and reasons for the works, showing which trees will be affected and the type of work which will be done on them. (Applicable when a tree is under the protection of a Tree Preservation Order (TPO)
    • any replacement trees that will be planted (applicable when a tree is under the protection of a TPO)

    Where trees are protected by a TPO you must include the reasons for work and where the trees are being felled. You should also provide proposals for planting replacement trees including the quantity, species, position and size, or explain any reasons for not wanting to replant.

    Why we need this

    To help us assess the impact of the proposed works on a tree.

  • Biodiversity Survey and Report

    What you need to do

    Explain how a net gain approach has been taken to biodiversity at the development site. Identify and explain any ecological impacts that may result from the site development and impacts on adjacent sites if applicable.

    For further guidance on Biodiversity Net Gain, refer to the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management and guidance by the Greater London Authority.

    For further information about biodiversity in the borough, including protected species, refer to Southwark's Nature Action Plan 2020 and information about works on trees.

    When you need to do this

    You must submit a Biodiversity Survey and Report for all proposed works on trees. 

    Why we need this

    To inform our assessment of the proposed development.

    Relevant planning policy:

    • London Plan 2021 Policies G1, G4, G5, and G6
    • Southwark Plan 2022  policies P57, P59, and P60

When to use a Hedgerow Removal Notice application

You can use this application to apply to remove a hedgerow, or part of a hedgerow, covered by the Hedgerows Regulations 1997.

View the Planning Portal's guide on when you need to apply to remove a hedgerow. 

Validation checklist for Hedgerow Removal Notice applications

Required for all Hedgerow Removal Notice applications

 

Page last updated: 02 April 2024

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