Works that can be carried out without requiring permission
There are specific exemptions. You do not need permission to cut back or cut down for the following:
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Where a tree is dead, dying or dangerous
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Where there is an obligation under an Act of Parliament at the request of certain Government departments
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Where granting of full planning permission is implemented which involves removing trees in the case of fruit orchards - which are periodically grubbed up
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To prevent or control a nuisance in the legal sense - please ask a solicitor
It would however be advisable to inform our Trees and Landscape Team first before pruning or felling any protected tree under one of the above exemptions, as 5 days written notice to the council is also usually required.
It is helpful if you can take photographic evidence of the tree as we may ask you to provide evidence of the tree's hazardous condition when felling a tree that is considered to be dead/dying or dangerous. These photos can be printed off or sent as an attachment to confirm the tree's hazardous condition.
Please note that you are not required to complete a full tree work application form to undertake work to a protected under an exemption.
