For a free on-site quotation call our experts on: 01225 345137 | 07759 205453
About West Country Tree Services
At West Country Tree Services, we are pleased to offer superior tree surgery services and Tree Protection Order advise across Wiltshire and Somerset. If you’re looking for a trustworthy team of tree surgeons, get in touch by calling us on 01225 345137 or email us at enquiries@westcountrytreeservices.co.uk.
We cover all towns within Wiltshire and Somerset, including Bath, Bradford-on-Avon, Calne, Chippenham, Corsham, Devizes, Malmesbury, Melksham, Peasedown St John, Royal Wootton Bassett, Swindon, Trowbridge, Warminster, and Westbury.
What is a ‘Section 211 Tree Order’?
A section 211 notice is a requirement in the UK for anyone planning to carry out work on trees in a conservation area that are not protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO). If a tree in a conservation area is not covered by a TPO, you must notify the Local Planning Authority (LPA) in writing of any planned work at least six weeks before starting. This notification, called a ‘section 211 notice’, allows the LPA to consider protecting the tree with a TPO.
The notice serves as a notification to local authorities, allowing them to assess whether the tree should be protected with a TPO. This is particularly important in conservation areas, where trees play a crucial role in preserving the environment and local character.
The type of tree you ant to carry out work on also matters as a TPO generally applies to trees with a trunk diameter of 75mm or more when measured 1.5 meters above ground. This threshold ensures that trees of significant size and potential ecological value are considered before any work is undertaken.
What happens after I send a Section 11 to my Local Planning Authority?
You must submit the section 211 notice to the local planning authority at least six weeks before commencing any work on the tree because in doing so you’re allowing the LPA to review and make a decision on the proposed tree in good time.
When the local planning authority receives your section 211 notice, they’ll usually take one of three courses of action. First, they might make a tree preservation order if they believe the tree is of significant ecological or amenity value. This will prohibit any work on the tree without their prior consent.
Next, they could allow work on the tree to proceed. If the authority determines that the proposed work does not pose a threat to the tree or the conservation area, they may grant permission for the work to go ahead.
Finally, the LPA might let the notice period expire through inaction on the order within the specified period. As the property owner, you may proceed with the work within two years of the notice period ending.
What happens if I don’t abide by the section 211 Order?
It’s important to note that failure to comply with the section 211 notice requirements can result in significant penalties. In serious cases, fines of up to £20,000 may be imposed, and even unlimited fines may be imposed if convicted in Crown Court.
By understanding the requirements and implications of the section 211 notice, you can ensure that as the property owner that you’re acting in compliance with the law and protecting the trees which provide various benefits to the local area.
Tree Protection Order Services in the South West
So how can our team help you navigate tree protection orders? At West Country Tree Services, we can help you plan your approach to TPOs, offering advice if you have a tree on your property that you’re looking to remove.
Our experienced team are on hand to provide you with TPO advice and support on all aspects of TPOs, including whether a tree on your property is subject to a TPO, the restrictions around cutting a tree down, and what to do if you need to prune or remove a tree that is subject to a TPO.
We can help you to prepare and submit an application for a TPO to your local authority and if your application for a TPO is rejected, we can help you to appeal the decision. If you have a tree that is subject to a TPO and it needs to be pruned or removed, we can apply for the necessary permissions from your local authority on your behalf.
Our Services
With a team of highly skilled and experienced tree surgeons, West Country Tree Services offers a wide range of tree care and tree maintenance services to a wide range of clients including
- Tree care for Domestic Clients
- Tree care for Parish Councils
- Tree care for Schools & Nurseries
- Tree care for Arboretums
- Tree care for the M.O.D
- Tree care for Construction Companies (CSCS registered)
- Tree care for Property Developers
- Tree care for Country Estates
- Tree care for Conservation Areas (including TPO’s)
Our expertise means that we offer a wide range of services from tree felling to stump removals and hedge work. We serve the Bath and Wiltshire area including Bath, Bradford-on-Avon, Calne, Chippenham, Corsham, Devizes, Malmesbury, Melksham, Peasedown St John, Royal Wootton Bassett, Swindon, Trowbridge, Warminster, Westbury, Wiltshire.
If you need a quote for a project, call us on 01225 345137 or 07759 205453, or email us on enquiries@westcountrytreeservices.co.uk.
