Works to Trees in Swale Borough

Any works to trees within a Conservation area or to trees covered by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) require consent.

It is an offence to cut down, top, lop, uproot, damage or destroy any tree protected by a TPO or by location within a Conservation Area without first obtaining approval.  If you wish to undertake felling or any form of pruning to any protected tree you need to complete and submit a tree works application form.

The process can take approximately eight weeks from the receipt of your application until a decision is made.

Copies of all TPOs are kept at the main council offices in Sittingbourne.

Trees within conservation areas are also afforded special protection. Anyone wishing to undertake works to a tree within these areas must give six weeks written notice to the Council of their intention. This enables the Council to inspect the site and to consider whether a TPO would be desirable.

The penalties for undertaking works to tree(s) within a conservation area within the six week period are similar to those for undertaking unauthorised works to a tree(s) covered by a TPO.