TRIMMING TREES WITH A PRESERVATION ORDER

geek84

Hi Folks

I want to get 2 trees trimmed which are in my back garden and have a preservation order.  

However, I need to apply to the local council in order to do that.  I invited a tree surgeon to have a look at the trees a few days ago, who offered to fill in the application form and says that would cost £150.  He went on to say that it is vital to get the wording correct on the application, or else it would be rejected.

Has anyone any experience of this?  Shall I complete the application myself and see what happens, or do you think it would be worthwhile spending the £150 and asking the tree surgeon to complete the application?

Thank You

princeofpounds

£150 sounds steep for the application alone. He is correct that it helps to be able to use the correct jargon, but it's not that complicated, nor is it such a disaster if you need to reapply. If you're experienced, it would probably take under an hour, including the sketch map.

https://ecab.planningportal.co.uk/uploads/1app/guidance/guidance_note-works_to_trees.pdf

I would speak to a different tree surgeon. You may also want to speak to the Tree Officer at the council. Many can actually be quite helpful in giving you some guidance on your own application, though not all will.

bris

Phone planning and get them to go through it with you. They are usually helpful and will help when they can.

EssexExile

Won't the council want input from the qualified tree surgeon that the work is necessary and safe?

bolwin1

I had a a tree under a TPO trimmed last year (I live in a conservation area, so all trees are automatically protected). I looked at successful planning applications in the area, found one that was similar to what I was having done & copied that. A few photos, a plan of the garden with about 4 lines describing the work to be done to the tree & that was all that was needed. I wouldn't pay £150 for help to fill a form in (the work to the tree was only £200). 

GDB2222

It may depend how much work you want to get done, and why you want it. If you want to trim trees for your own benefit, eg more light in your house, that's a much harder sell to the council than if you want to trim the trees to help the growth and appearance. 

As an example, there was an application for a tree near us which went on for several pages. But, this was a 300 year old 'boundary oak' that the whole area had been planned round when the houses were built 100 years ago. Plus, there was nothing wrong with the tree, and the owner just wanted more light. That took a certain amount of care in presenting it to the LA. 

[Deleted User]

Trimming trees with a preservation order? Using shears would be easier   

GDB2222

[Deleted User] said:

Trimming trees with a preservation order? Using shears would be easier   

I'm hoping that you don't earn a living as a stand up comic?

[Deleted User]

No but its something to fall back on.

Le_Kirk

GDB2222 said:

Deleted_User said:

Trimming trees with a preservation order? Using shears would be easier   

I'm hoping that you don't earn a living as a stand up comic?

Deleted_User said:

No but its something to fall back on.

If you fall back, you won't be a stand-up!  I'll get me coat.