Just wondering if anyone knows exactly what one has to do about cutting down a tree that's in a conservation area. It's in a garden that adjoins my building and the tree is very very close to my wall. It has cracked the wall of its own property quite extensively and now my house and my next door neighbours' are getting bigger cracks in our walls which we are sure is due to this massive tree.
The property owner (who does not live there) said that we had to have a survey done and then he would remove the tree. We argued that as the tree was on his property and damaging his property that it was his responsibility - he came back to us and said he had to apply to the council to get permission to remove the tree. My neighbour thinks that because the tree is not on the road, but in the garden that Conservation laws don't apply. It is visible from the street.
If the owner continues to put us off (as he has for over a year) what can we do to get him to take this tree down? It's not an old tree - it's a fast growing piney thing like a Leylandii.
What is the law about trees in conservation areas?
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Pat Trembath
- Posts: 613
- Joined: 2 Oct 2004 10:54
Re: What is the law about trees in conservation areas?
Natasha
Sheila Yates at Lewisham Council is the officer who deals with tree problems in Conservation Areas. I suggest you contact her and ask her opinion.
Sheila Yates at Lewisham Council is the officer who deals with tree problems in Conservation Areas. I suggest you contact her and ask her opinion.
Re: What is the law about trees in conservation areas?
Thanks Pat - will call her on Monday.
Re: What is the law about trees in conservation areas?
Could I suggest that there is value in at least someone getting a survey done to find the cause and more particularly to see if it would be good (or not) if the tree were chopped down as root shrinkage after chopping down can cause dehydration and settlement that could be worse than what you're already experiencing depending on your soil substructure, foundation depth blah blah.
Leylandii aren't known particularly for spreading roots horizontally (and I doubt that if that is what it is it will be protected as they are banned now in some places). Willow, now there's one that doesn't half spread horizontal roots. On the other hand, the roots even if the more deep tap root sort could be taking water from surrounding soil (or maybe clay).
The question is how best to solve the problem beforehand if that tree is the cause rather than insist it be chopped down then wish it hadn't been if that might cause more problems by root shrinkage. Accurately identifying the tree would be no bad thing, in case the damage could be due to something else, e.g. drought generally or constantly digging up the road outside, or a different tree, whatever.
I'm not a tree surgeon of course, though have experience of leylandii roots, willow roots and subsidence.
Incidentally, some house buildings insurance exclude subsidence.
Leylandii aren't known particularly for spreading roots horizontally (and I doubt that if that is what it is it will be protected as they are banned now in some places). Willow, now there's one that doesn't half spread horizontal roots. On the other hand, the roots even if the more deep tap root sort could be taking water from surrounding soil (or maybe clay).
The question is how best to solve the problem beforehand if that tree is the cause rather than insist it be chopped down then wish it hadn't been if that might cause more problems by root shrinkage. Accurately identifying the tree would be no bad thing, in case the damage could be due to something else, e.g. drought generally or constantly digging up the road outside, or a different tree, whatever.
I'm not a tree surgeon of course, though have experience of leylandii roots, willow roots and subsidence.
Incidentally, some house buildings insurance exclude subsidence.
Re: What is the law about trees in conservation areas?
Permission is required to lop or fell any tree in a Conservation area regardless if it's has a TPO or not.
I would recommend calling , Louis 07836 701155. He is an expert tree surgeon who can advise on the type of tree and the best remedy. He is recommended by Bromley Council tree officers. Probably would not charge you to visit and give you a verbal opinion.
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I would recommend calling , Louis 07836 701155. He is an expert tree surgeon who can advise on the type of tree and the best remedy. He is recommended by Bromley Council tree officers. Probably would not charge you to visit and give you a verbal opinion.
[ Post made via Mobile Device ]
Re: What is the law about trees in conservation areas?
Thank you - very helpful replies. I didn't even consider that removing the tree might make things worse.
Re: What is the law about trees in conservation areas?
Thank you all - I too have this problem and had no idea of how complex the process is.
Have just tried to ring Sheila Yates, but she has now retired. Her replacement (extremely helpful) is Linda Henderson.
In order to have a tree cut in a conservation area you need to apply to the right planning department. The forms you need to do so will be sent electronically to you by linda on linda.henderson@lewisham.gov.uk (the general number of the council is 0208 314 6000). It takes about 6 weeks, apparently, to hear back from them re decision.
She also said that if what you need is to cut a tree completely - as we do, unfortunately, to our huge eucalyptus - then there is no reason to get a specialist; anybody with a "certificate to operate a chain saw" (!?) will do; if it is a question of pruning a tree, however, then it is more complicated and you need a specialist. They have a list of contractors they can offer people.
Hope this is helpful
Have just tried to ring Sheila Yates, but she has now retired. Her replacement (extremely helpful) is Linda Henderson.
In order to have a tree cut in a conservation area you need to apply to the right planning department. The forms you need to do so will be sent electronically to you by linda on linda.henderson@lewisham.gov.uk (the general number of the council is 0208 314 6000). It takes about 6 weeks, apparently, to hear back from them re decision.
She also said that if what you need is to cut a tree completely - as we do, unfortunately, to our huge eucalyptus - then there is no reason to get a specialist; anybody with a "certificate to operate a chain saw" (!?) will do; if it is a question of pruning a tree, however, then it is more complicated and you need a specialist. They have a list of contractors they can offer people.
Hope this is helpful