Do I need planning permission to get rid of my leylandii hedge?

easy

Right, we have finally bit the bullet, and we're hiring a skip over easter weekend so we can cut down & get rid of the leylandiis which form a (very large) hedge round 2 sides of the garden.

They have been here for 20-odd years (planted by previous owners), and now they are taking over. 8 to 10 feet high, about 3 ft wide, killing the lawn. There are about 16 individual trees, so it'll be a big job.

It just crossed my mind, altho they are on our land, and definately our responsibility, do I need planning permission?

I'm pretty sure the neighbours will be pleased to see them go.

WestonDave

You might need to check if you are in a conservation area as that sometimes has restrictions on tree felling - however its very very unlikely they will have tree preservation orders on them and even in a conservation area I would imagine there is no problem in getting permission.

One other point - I'd put the green mess in the skip and see if anyone wants the bigger bits on Freecycle etc - I suspect someone will be happy to take them and let them season for a woodburner.

macman

Are you in a conservation area? If so, you will need an inspection and permit.

easy

Deffo NOT in a conservation area

tomterm8

from http://www.breckland.gov.uk/hedgerowregulations

Do I need permission to remove my hedgerow, either in whole or in part?


Yes, if your hedgerow is on, or runs alongside:

• agricultural land
• common land, including town or village greens;
• land used for forestry or the breeding or keeping of horses, ponies or donkeys; or
• a Local Nature Reserve or Site of Special Scientific Interest.

No, if it:

• is shorter than 20 metres (unless both ends join up with other hedgerow or it is part of a longer hedgerow); or
• is in, or borders, your garden.
• Gaps of 20 metres or less are counted as part of the hedgerow. A gap may be a break in the vegetation or it may be filled, by for example, a gate.

You also do not need permission to remove your hedgerow:

• to get access - either in place of an existing opening, provided that you plant a new stretch of hedgerow to fill the original entrance, or when another means of entry is not available, except at disproportionate cost. You are advised however, to contact the authority prior to undertaking this work;
• to gain temporary entry to help in an emergency; or
• to implement a planning permission (but in the case of permitted development rights, most hedgerow removal WILL require prior permission).

Normal management of your hedgerow does not require prior permission