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Welcome to Mole Valley Online / Planning / Conservation / Countryside Conservation / Trees & HedgesTrees & HedgesThe Council is responsible for administering legislation to protect trees through the application of Tree Preservation orders and the control of works to trees in conservation areas. The Forestry Authority is responsible for the control of felling.Tree Preservation Orders  Trees & Hedges The purpose of a TPO is to protect trees that make a significant contribution to the amenity of their local surroundings. If a tree is covered by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) it is an offence to cut it down, top, lop, uproot or wilfully damage or destroy it without the Council's permission. There are some exceptions under the legislation, notably if the tree concerned can be shown to be dead, dying or dangerous, but you should consult with the Council's Tree Officer before doing the work. The following leaflets produced by the Council provide more details about TPOs, how to make applications to carry out works to protected trees, and the Council's approach to the enforcement of the tree protection policy Enforcement of Tree Protection Policy Conservation Areas: A Planning Guide Further information can be obtained from the following link Trees Further guidance & Information on amenity trees, including research projects, good practice and tree preservation orders can be found on the Communities & Local Government website using the link An Overview on Trees & TPO Procedures Felling Licences Whether or not a TPO is in place, a felling licence is required to fell more than five cubic metres of wood in any calendar quarter. There are some exceptions to this under the Forestry Act 1967. For example a licence for felling is not required for trees in gardens. For more information please use the following link In conservation areas It is an offence to cut, up-root or wilfully damage or destroy a tree in a conservation area, with a few special exceptions. The Council should be given six weeks notice of the intention to carry out any works to a tree in a conservation area. If in doubt contact the Council's Tree Officer, Ron Howe on 01306 879286. Guidance can be found in the Council's leaflet on conservation areas. Further information can be obtained from the following link which will also provide information on submitting applications for work on trees covered by TPO's or within a Conservation Area. High Hedges Part 8 of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003, gives local authorities powers to deal with complaints about high hedges. Further details can be found on the Communities & Local Government website at High Hedges Hedgerow Removal Notices Under the Hedgerow Regulations, it is against the law to remove or destroy certain hedgerows without permission from the Council. Permission is required before removing hedges that are at least 20 metres in length, over 30 years old and contain certain species of plant. When determining applications to remove hedgerows, the Council will assess their importance using criteria set out in the regulations. Additional information can be found on the website of the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs If you would like to submit an application to remove a hedgerow, the following can be downloaded and sent by post to the Pippbrook Offices:
Alternatively, the Council encourages 1APP electronic applications to be made via the Planning Portal:
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