Decision - Tree Enforcement

RESOLVED: That Committee: 1. Noted that enforcement of tree issues relating to development sites, including enforcement of planning conditions, is undertaken by the Planning Enforcement Team under the terms of the Planning Enforcement Policy (Appendix 1). 2. Noted that the Arboricultural Team undertakes enforcement of tree issues where there are Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) in place or trees in conservation areas (CA) in locations that are not presently subject to a planning consent. 3. Requested officers to develop a draft enforcement policy relating to trees protected by TPOs, breaches of legislation around CA tree works and brings it to City Environment, South Downs and the Sea Committee for adoption followed by a communications plan.

The report sets out the national and local planning policies governing trees, Tree Preservation Orders and conservation areas. It explains the existing approach to planning enforcement and the available options for addressing unauthorised works to protected trees.