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Frankwell Quay
Shrewsbury
SY3 8HQ
Trees
The value of trees in towns has been known since earliest times, and throughout the world towns and cities everywhere bear testament to the value of the municipal tree. Shrewsbury owes a particular debt to the foresight of previous generations who planned and planted the large tree-lined space of the Quarry which still remains a focal leisure venue of the modern town.
Tree Preservation Orders
Many trees in the Borough of Shrewsbury and Atcham are protected by a Preservation Order. These are trees of a high amenity value or which have a significant impact on the environment and have been identified by the council and protected by an order.
The register of Tree Preservation Orders (TPO) is available on this website.
Where a Tree Preservation Order is made under Section 198 of the Town and County Planning Act, 1990, the tree or group of trees are identified on a location plan. Copies of the order are served on the owners of land upon which the trees are growing, and on the owner occupiers of affected and joining properties.
Details of which trees are protected can be obtained from the Conservation and Design Section of Planning Services in the Guildhall, Shrewsbury.
Once an order has been made, the consent of the Council is required before a tree may be pruned or felled. In certain circumstances, it may be agreed that pruning or removal may be permitted in order to accommodate development, but the TPO enables the council to control these actions and to obtain new planting to replace trees which are removed. You can download a form to get approval to carry out pruning or felling work to trees protected by a TPO. There is no fee involved.
If a tree is cut down, uprooted or wilfully destroyed or is deliberately damaged, or pruned in a manner likely to destroy it, in contravention of a TPO, the responsible person may be prosecuted and liable to pay a substantial fine.
Formal permission is not required to fell protected trees that are dead, dying or dangerous. However, unless the situation demands emergency action, it is necessary to contact the Council's Tree Officer who will be able to advise whether or not the tree is within this category. The Council may agree to the removal of a protected tree, but the owner will normally be required to replace the tree with one of a suitable species and size.
Further information is contained in the leaflet 'Protected Trees: A Guide to Tree Prservation Order Procedures' .This gives a brief introduction to tree protection procedures and answers some of the most common questions asked by tree owners and the public.
Trees in Conservation Areas
The importance of trees is recognised in the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 which makes special provision for trees in Conservation Areas which are not already protected by a Tree Preservation Order. Under Section 211 of the Act anyone proposing to cut down or carry out work on a tree is required to give the Council six weeks prior notice.
Notification does not have to be in a particular form but you may wish to use the form available here in Word format to download. The notice must set out clearly what work is proposed. A proposal to 'top' or 'lop' a tree would not be acceptable because there are many different ways to 'top' or 'lop' a tree. Please be as specific as possible in describing the work you wish to do. You may find it easier to get your tree surgeon to do this for you. It is also advisable to provide a map showing the location of the trees. The Council will give free advice to anyone who has a tree in a Conservation Area or required help in submitting a Notice.
Conservation areas are shown on our online mapping system.
Forms
The Works to Trees within a Conservation Area or Works to Trees covered by A Tree Preservation Order Forms can now be found on our website or by telephoning 01743 281326 or by requesting them by email to planningdevelopmentcontrol@shrewsbury.gov.uk. They can also be completed at www.planningportal.gov.uk/wps/portal where you can fill the forms in online.
Contacts
Enquiries relating to Tree Preservation Orders and Conservation Areas please contact Conservation section - Trees and Landscape Officer, Steven Shields on 01743 281318 or email planningconservation@shrewsbury.gov.uk
Enquiries about Trees in Council House Gardens please contact Severnside Housing on 01743 285093
Enquiries about Trees Obstructing the Highway or Footpaths please contact Shropshire County Council on 01743 251000
Enquiries about Trees on Council owned property please contact Gary Farmer at Parks and Gardens 01743 281151
For any further information on Trees please contact the Trees and Landscape Officer in the Conservation Section (Tel: 01743 281318) or email. You can contact them either by writing to Planning Services, The Guildhall, Frankwell Quay, Shrewsbury, SY3 8HQ or by e-mail at planningdevelopmentcontrol@shrewsbury.gov.uk
Further Information
Protected Trees - a guide to tree preservation orders, Government Leaflet (PDF 170kB)
TPO Appeals Government Leaflet (PDF 346kB)