Tree Works

If you are intending to undertake work on any tree within the Wrington Conservation Area you must normally obtain permission from North Somerset Council before starting work. The Parish Council is consulted on these Conservation Area tree works applications, alongside applications for built development, generally commenting on the potential impacts on the tree’s public amenity value (its contribution to the local built and natural environment).   You can download a PDF of the Conservation Area here.

Permission is required from the local authority for work on trees which are located within the Conservation Area with a trunk diameter of 7.5cm or more measured at 1.5 metres above the ground, or 10cm diameter if thinning is intended to assist the growth of other trees. The same rules apply to trees with Tree Protection Orders (TPO) wherever they are located.

There are certain exceptions such as when the tree is dead, dying or considered dangerous, or where the tree is directly in the way of development that is about to commence and for which relevant planning permission has been granted. However, you should always check with the planning authority before undertaking work.

It’s worth noting that if you fell, uproot or wilfully damage a qualifying tree you could be fined up to £20,000. Also, you will normally be required to plant a replacement for any tree felled or removed without permission.