This is general guidance based on standard permitted development rights in England. Rules differ for listed buildings, conservation areas, and properties with Article 4 directions. Always confirm with your local planning authority before starting work.
Do I Need Planning Permission for a Tree Removal in South Cambridgeshire?
Removing a tree from your property. Whether you need permission depends on whether the tree has a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or is in a conservation area. Unprotected trees on your own land can generally be removed without permission.
Planning in South Cambridgeshire
93%
of planning applications granted
93%
decided within the statutory or agreed time
82%
of householder applications decided within 8 weeks
In the year to December 2025, South Cambridgeshire decided 1,516 planning applications. 784 of these were householder projects such as extensions, loft conversions and outbuildings, of which 95% were granted.
Planning statistics: MHCLG planning application statistics, the year to December 2025. Conservation area and Article 4 data: planning.data.gov.uk, © Historic England / Crown copyright. Open Government Licence v3.0.
Important: Additional Restrictions May Apply in South Cambridgeshire
South Cambridgeshire has 85 conservation areas. These include Abington Pigotts - High Street, Abington Pigotts - St Michael's, Babraham, Baits Bite Lock, Balsham - Village Centre, Balsham - West End. If your property is in a conservation area, some or all permitted development rights may be restricted. For example, you may need planning permission for changes that would normally be permitted, including alterations to the roof, cladding, or extensions visible from a public highway.
South Cambridgeshire has 8 recorded Article 4 directions. These include Beach Road Cottenham; Clay Close Lane, Impington; Land Adjacent To Villa Road Impington; Land Opp. Milestone Farm, Great Chishill. Article 4 directions remove specific permitted development rights in defined areas. If your property is covered by an Article 4 direction, you may need planning permission for work that would normally be permitted. Contact South Cambridgeshire planning department to check whether an Article 4 direction applies to your property.
Check with South Cambridgeshire planning department before starting work to confirm whether your property is affected by any special designations.
Permitted Development Rules for a Tree Removal
Whether you need consent depends on the tree's protection status. Trees with a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) cannot be removed, topped, lopped, or uprooted without the council's consent. Trees in conservation areas require 6 weeks' written notice to the council before any work. Unprotected trees on your own land can generally be removed without permission.
Conditions
- 1Trees with a TPO: must obtain consent from the council before any work (including pruning)
- 2Trees in conservation areas: must give 6 weeks' written notice to the council (Section 211 notice)
- 3Unprotected trees on your own land: no permission normally needed
- 4Dead, dying, or dangerous trees: TPO consent is still technically required but councils usually grant it
- 5Felling licence from the Forestry Commission may be needed if removing more than 5 cubic metres of timber in a calendar quarter
Size and Dimension Limits
- Not applicable; the issue is the tree's protection status
When Permitted Development Does Not Apply
- Breaching a TPO is a criminal offence with fines up to £20,000 (magistrates' court) or unlimited (Crown Court)
- Working on a tree in a conservation area without notice is an offence
- Neighbours' trees: you may trim branches overhanging your property but must return the cuttings
- High hedges: covered by separate legislation (Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003, Part 8)
What About Building Regulations?
Building regulations approval is not usually required
Building Regulations do not apply to tree removal. However, if removing a tree near a building on clay soil, the ground may swell (heave), potentially affecting foundations. A structural engineer or arboriculturist should advise if the tree is within influencing distance of a building.
Building regulations are separate from planning permission. Even if your project is permitted development, you may still need building regulations approval. Contact South Cambridgeshire building control or use an approved inspector.
How to Apply in South Cambridgeshire
If you need planning permission for your tree removal, you can apply through South Cambridgeshire's planning department or via the national Planning Portal.
If your project is permitted development and you want written confirmation, you can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) from South Cambridgeshire. This provides proof that your project does not need planning permission, which can be helpful when selling your property.
What Happens If I Build Without Permission?
High risk for protected trees. Breaching a TPO is a criminal offence with significant fines. The council can also require you to plant a replacement tree. Work on trees in conservation areas without notice is also an offence, and the council can impose a TPO retrospectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need planning permission for a tree removal in South Cambridgeshire?
Does a tree removal in South Cambridgeshire need building regulations?
How do I apply for planning permission in South Cambridgeshire?
How long does planning permission take in South Cambridgeshire?
What percentage of planning applications does South Cambridgeshire approve?
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