Trees in Conservation Areas
Trees make an important contribution to the character and appearance of Dartmoor's Conservation Areas. Special controls apply to many trees within Conservation Areas, even where they are not protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO).
Is My Tree Protected?
Use our interactive map to check whether a tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order or located within a Conservation Area.
Carrying Out Works to a Tree in a Conservation Area
If you intend to carry out works to a tree in a Conservation Area, you will normally need to give the Authority six weeks' written notice before the work begins. This is known as a Section 211 Notice.
A Section 211 Notice can be submitted online through the Planning Portal.
Paper application forms are also available on the Planning Portal.
What Information Do I Need to Provide?
Your notice should clearly describe the proposed works and identify the tree or trees affected.
Where several trees are involved, it may be helpful to include a sketch plan showing their location.
What Happens Next?
Once a valid Section 211 Notice has been received, the Authority has six weeks to consider whether the tree should be protected by a Tree Preservation Order.
During this period, we may:
- Make a Tree Preservation Order
- Allow the six-week notice period to expire
- Confirm that the proposed works may proceed before the six-week period ends
If no Tree Preservation Order is made, the works may normally be carried out within two years of the notice being submitted.
Exemptions
Some works are exempt from the requirement to submit a Section 211 Notice, including:
- Works to dead trees
- Works required to remove an immediate risk of serious harm
- Certain works authorised by a Forestry Commission felling licence
- Works to very small trees
If you are unsure whether an exemption applies, please contact us before carrying out any work.
Ownership and Maintenance
Trees within Conservation Areas remain the responsibility of the landowner. The Authority does not own these trees and is not responsible for their maintenance or safety.
Unauthorised Works
Carrying out unauthorised works to a tree in a Conservation Area may constitute a criminal offence and could result in prosecution and significant financial penalties.
Further Information
Further guidance on trees in Conservation Areas is available from the Government website.