Trees Trees make an important contribution to the character of the Borough. Many trees are protected either by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or because they are within one of the Borough's eight Conservation Areas.Guidance on landscaping and protection of trees on development sites can be found on page 26 of the supplementary planning document 'Design of Residential Extensions and New Residential Development' (Pdf 1.33mb).The following links provide further information on the protection of trees and how to apply for work to preserved trees. There is also advice on how to complain about high hedges: Protected trees Information on Tree preservation Spelthorne Tree Wardens Application form for tree works: works to trees subject to a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) and/or notification of proposed works to trees in Conservation Areas (TCA). (No 31 on 1App form) High hedges: complaining to the Council(External website) Other information Arboricultural Association (external link) Conservation Areas A Conservation Area is defined in the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 as an 'area of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance'. Conservation Areas have a legal status which provides additional controls over the following:
most demolitions
the size limits for permitted development on non-listed dwellings
illuminated advertisements on business premises
satellite dishes and other telecommunications operations
work to trees
Legislation also exists to enable local authorities to secure necessary repairs to unoccupied non-listed buildings in a Conservation Area which are not being preserved in a weatherproof and secure condition.Conservation Area maps and enhancement plansListed below are the 8 Conservation Areas in Spelthorne:
