Check if a tree is protected and find out how to apply for any works to trees or hedges.
We do not currently have an online map showing all the TPO trees in Northumberland but we are working to provide one. Submit this Tree Protection Enquiry Form to ask us to check if a tree is protected.
If you want to cut down, top, lop (cut off a branch, limb or twig) or uproot a tree protected by a TPO you must make an application for works to trees. This gives us eight weeks to consider if what you propose to do is acceptable. Works that do not require an application include:
Find out how to make an application for works to protected trees.
We make a TPO in order to protect a specific tree or woodland from deliberate damage and destruction. You can ask us to make a TPO by emailing the following information to planning@northumberland.gov.uk:
View conservation areas on our interactive map
If you want to cut down, top, lop (cut off a branch, limb or twig) or uproot a tree in a conservation area you must give us six weeks' notice. Work must not start within the six week period. Submitting notice of your intention to carry out work gives us chance to consider if it is acceptable and if an order should be made to protect the trees. You are not required to give notice for the following:
Find out how to give notice for works to trees in a conservation area.
For works to trees with a TPO in the National Park your application should be submitted directly to the Northumberland National Park Authority.
View a checklist of what to include with your tree works application
There is no planning fee for making an application for tree works. When you make your application online via the Planning Portal they will not apply a service charge. Tree works applications are exempt.
As soon as we receive your application we will check it. All communications will go to the agent named on the application form. If you do not name an agent we will communicate with the applicant. If you do not state an email address we will respond by post. If your application is incomplete we will either send you an invalid letter asking for the missing information. Or we may close the application due to insufficient information. If your application is valid (includes everything we require) we will send you an acknowledgement letter. It will give the decision target date:
Email the following form to planning@northumberland.gov.uk. There is no fee required. Five-day Notice Form for works to dead or dangerous trees
On receipt of a five day notice an officer will undertake an assessment. This may involve a site visit if required. We will respond to you in writing to confirm whether the works can be carried out under this process. If they cannot, we will ask you to submit a formal application for tree works. We aim to respond within five working days. You must wait for confirmation before proceeding with works.
Unless a dying tree represents an immediate danger you will need to make an application for works to trees. However, the exceptions allow removal of dead branches from a living tree without prior notice or consent even if the tree is protected. You must not remove living tissue without consent.
High Hedges are dealt with under Part 8 of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003. The Government have published guidance on how to settle your hedge differences without involving the local authority. Read Over the Garden Hedge on the Gov.uk website before you complain to the Council.
Provided you have tried and exhausted all other avenues for resolving your hedge dispute, you are now able to make a formal complaint about a neighbour's evergreen hedge to your local authority. Read High Hedges Complaining to the Council on the Gov.uk website before you contact us.
View a checklist of what to include with your hedgerow removal notice Submit a hedgerow removal notice on the Planning Portal
There is no planning fee to submit a hedgerow removal notice. When you make your application online via the Planning Portal they will not apply a service charge as this type of notice is exempt.
As soon as we receive your notice we will check it. If your submission is missing information or is incorrect we will send you an invalid/return letter explaining why. If your submission is valid (includes everything we require) we will send you an acknowledgement letter with a decision target date. If you do not receive this within 10 days of submission please contact us to check we have received it. We have 42 days to respond to your written notice to remove a hedgerow. You are entitled to remove the hedgerow if you do not hear back from us within the 42-day period. We will issue either: a hedgerow retention notice (if the hedge is protected and must be kept) or a written notice giving permission to remove it in the way you have proposed.
All communications will go to the agent named on the application form. If you do not name an agent we will communicate with the applicant. If you do not state an email address we will respond by post. Please check emails (and your spam folder) regularly and respond as soon as possible to avoid delay.
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