Trees and planning

Planning applications must provide information on existing trees and other landscape features where present. Detail of which trees are to be retained at a site and which are to be felled must be included with the application. Trees within the sphere of influence should be surveyed by a suitably qualified and experienced arboriculturist based on The British Standard BS5837 (2012) "Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction".

Trees are potential locations for bats who may be using them as roost sites. Bats are a European protected species and a bat survey may be required before any works to the tree are carried out. You may be required to carry out mitigation measures.

It is a criminal offence to intentionally, deliberately or recklessly damage, destroy or obstruct access to any structure or place used by a protected species for shelter or protection or to disturb a protected species while it is occupying such a structure/tree. If there is any doubt about any planned works, advice should be sought from Natural England prior to any works.

Pre-planning permission stage

A tree condition survey must be carried out by an arboriculturist of all the trees on, or close to the site. Your design should include any vegetation which may have an influence on the design. In all cases where there are trees on, or next to a site, we expect you to comply with the British Standard.

Trees on the site should be categorised to highlight which trees are suitable for retention. It is expected that trees of “high” and “moderate” quality (categories A+B) will be retained, (as per BS 5837). It may be necessary to have a site meeting with council trees officers at the design stage where a possible controversial decision is required.

During the design and planning stages the following factors should be taken into account:-

• The fact that trees on the site may be protected by a Tree Preservation Order or located within a Conservation Area.
• The impact the proposed development may have on the health, condition and future management of trees, both on and near the site.
• Any above and below constraints.
• Whether the proposed design can be amended to ensure the retention of trees that would otherwise be lost.
• Infrastructure requirements, for example, service runs, highway safety and visibility splays, substations, refuse stores, lighting, signage and CCTV requirements.
• The end use of the space.
• Whether it is possible to balance proposed tree removals with new tree planting.
• The potential impact of the trees on the proposed building and development, to include shading and dominance, future pressure
• The potential impact of climate change on existing or proposed tree species.

Apply to carry out works on a protected tree

You need to apply for consent if you intend to carry out work on a tree that is:

• covered by a tree preservation order
• within a conservation area
• covered by planning conditions attached to a planning permission

If you want to carry out works to trees covered by a tree preservation order or in a conservation area, you will need to submit your proposals using the application form further down the page. You will be asked to provide specific information regarding:

• the reasons for the proposed tree work
• identification of all the trees to which your submission relates on a site location plan or site sketch plan
• exact details of the proposed work

Once all of the information has been provided to our satisfaction we will acknowledge receipt of your application/notification and advise when a decision should be made by.

If tree works have been approved under a planning permission, these works can proceed without the need for a formal application/notification. If you are unsure, please contact the trees section to clarify.  If you want to discharge conditions in relation to trees and a planning application please contact the planning enforcement team.

Please note the tree preservation legislation that came into force on 6 April 2012 which affects all existing and new tree preservation order. 

Application forms

• Application for Tree Works - Notes - Checklist
  Use this form for tree works subject to a Tree Preservation Order or tree works in a conservation area
• Works to Trees - Hedgerow Removal - Notes - Checklist
  Use this form for the removal of hedgerows

Alternatively you can apply online by following the links on the planning applications page. 

Additional advice on trees

If you want to find out if a tree is protected or you would like the council to preserve a particular tree, please contact trees@cheltenham.gov.uk

Whether or not a tree is preserved, we encourage all owners to carry out work to a good standard.

Don't be tempted to employ casual contractors who call at your house offering to do work on your tree. An apparent 'cheap job' may result in considerable expense at a later date. If they carry out works to your trees without the necessary consents, any enforcement action may be taken against you as the landowner.

Always check that your contractor is fully insured against third party risks.

For information and news relating to arboricultural issues please visit The Arboricultural Association.