Trees and Hedgerows Conservation

Trees
You need permission to fell or prune a tree on your land if you live in a Conservation Area or the tree has a Tree Preservation Order (TPO). You can be fined if you carry out work without permission.

We can also provide advice on whether trees are protected and where necessary give protection to trees that are threatened with felling. Some advice can also be provided with regard to the condition of trees but if these are on private land then the advice of a tree specialist should be sought.

Trees and hedgerows within the Broads Authority Executive Area are dealt with by the Broads Authority. To view their webpages see useful links.

Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs)
TPOs can be placed on any suitable tree, including trees on private land. A TPO can cover a single tree, groups of trees or woodlands but not hedges or shrubs.

If you want to carry out any work on a tree with a TPO you must get permission by completing the application form available under further information. You should seek the advice of a tree specialist or discuss the proposal informally with us before making an application. To view the application form see further information.

Trees in Conservation Areas
Trees in conservation areas which are already protected by a TPO are subject to the normal TPO controls. If you are proposing to carry out work on a tree in a conservation area, that is not subject to a TPO, then you are required to give six weeks prior notice, in writing, to Great Yarmouth Borough Council. This gives the Council an opportunity to consider whether a TPO should be made on the tree. To view the application form see further information.

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Countryside Hedgerows
All countryside hedges have some protection under the Hedgerow Regulations 1997. This requires landowners to consult with the Local Authority before removing a hedgerow and if the hedgerow meets certain criteria then it is protected. If hedgerows are removed without this consultation then a fine could be imposed and action will be taken to re-instate the hedge.

The Hedgerows regulations do not apply to garden hedges. These are defined as hedges within, or marking a boundary of, the curtilage of a dwelling and includes those marking the boundary between the curtilage of a dwelling and agricultural land. These hedgerows may however be subject to a condition requiring their retention on the planning consent for the property.

To apply for permission to remove a countryside hedgerow fill in the application form available under further information.

High Hedges
You can submit a complaint to the Council about a high hedge if it meets the following criteria:

It is growing on land owned by someone else.The hedge or portion that is causing the problems is made up of a line of 2 or more trees or shrubs.
It is mostly evergreen or semi-evergreen.
It is more than 2 metres high.
Even though there may be gaps in the foliage or between the shrubs, is the hedge still capable of obstructing light or views.
You are the owner or occupier (eg. tenant) of the property affected by the hedge.
The property is residential.
The hedge detracts from the reasonable enjoyment of your home or garden because it is too tall.

To submit a complaint to the Council about a high hedge fill in the application form available under further information. The fee is £295 (Officers have the discretion to discount this fee by up to 50% where the complainant is receiving means tested benefits).

Additional information on trees and high hedges can be found on the Communities and Local Government website, available under useful links.

For further information on trees and hedgerows please telephone Tony Chaney on (01493) 846422 or send an email to acc@great-yarmouth.gov.uk.

Completed Application Forms
It is strongly advised that you contactl Tony Chaney to discuss your proposal before completing any application forms. Completed application forms should be sent to the address in Contact Us.

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