Environment and planning > Parks and open spaces >

Tree preservation orders

The landscape of Durham City benefits from a diversity of woodlands and trees. It is recognised that these should be protected for future generations to enjoy, and also that they provide valuable habitats for wildlife in the urban and rural environment. The City Council seeks to preserve the existing tree cover by placing Tree Preservation Orders on important specimens or group of trees, thereby prohibiting the removal, topping, lopping or willful destruction of trees contained within the Order. Trees covered by a Tree Preservation Order can only be pruned or felled with the Council's consent.

Applications to fell or prune preserved trees should be made on application forms available from Planning Services stating the location and species of tree, and the type of work proposed. Forms and details of Tree Preservation Orders within the district may be obtained by contacting us.

Works to a protected tree.

Tree Preservation order procedures and advice leaflet

Appeals against a decision leaflet

Trees in Conservation Areas

All trees in conservation areas are subject to additional protection. Those not already included in a Tree Preservation Order may only be pruned or felled after the Council has been given six weeks' written notice of the proposed work. This period allows the Council to assess the tree's amenity value and to make a Tree Preservation Order if necessary. Forms are available Planning Services 0191 301 8000.

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Trees on Development Sites

The Council attaches great importance to the protection and safe retention of significant trees on development sites. Planning conditions are frequently attached to permissions to ensure the protection of trees during construction work.