Working on trees within a designated conservation area involves specific legal obligations that do not apply to trees elsewhere. Getting this right matters — carrying out work without the appropriate notification can result in significant penalties. Arbortech Professional Tree Services has extensive experience of working within conservation areas across Somerset and can guide you through the process from start to finish.
We cover Taunton, Yeovil, Martock, Ilminster, Bridgwater, Wellington, Somerton and all surrounding towns and villages. Free, no-obligation site visits are available, and written quotations are provided on request.
What Are the Rules for Trees in Conservation Areas?
In England, if you want to carry out work on a tree with a trunk diameter of 75mm or more at 1.5 metres from the ground, and that tree is within a designated conservation area, you must give the local planning authority six weeks’ written notice before any work takes place. This is known as a Section 211 notice.
The six-week period gives the planning authority time to consider whether to make the tree subject to a Tree Preservation Order (TPO). If no TPO is made and no objection is raised, you may proceed with the proposed work after the six weeks have passed.
There are limited exemptions — for example, dead trees or trees causing immediate danger — but these should be assessed carefully and documented.
How Arbortech Can Help
Our team can assess your tree, advise on whether Section 211 notification applies, help you prepare and submit the notice to the local planning authority, and then carry out the work once the appropriate period has elapsed. We deal with conservation area work regularly and understand what information the planning authority will want to see.
If you are unsure whether your property falls within a conservation area, this can be checked using your local council’s planning portal or the Magic Map online mapping service.
Qualified and Fully Insured
All work carried out by Arbortech complies with BS 3998 and is backed by full public liability insurance. We are approved contractors for Somerset County Council and the Duchy of Cornwall.
Conservation Area Tree Work Across Somerset
Somerset has a large number of designated conservation areas covering historic towns, villages and landscapes. If you own or manage a property within one of these areas and have trees that need attention, we are well placed to help you navigate the process and carry out the work to the required standard.
