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 Southwark?
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 Southwark
91%
of planning applications granted
96%
decided within the statutory or agreed time
80%
of householder applications decided within 8 weeks
In the year to December 2025, Southwark decided 1,589 planning applications. 591 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 Southwark
Southwark has 53 conservation areas. These include Addington Square, Bear Gardens, Bermondsey Street, Borough High Street, Camberwell Green, Camberwell Grove. 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.
Southwark has 480 recorded Article 4 directions. These include Albion Public House; Alleyns Head; Anchor Tap; Ancient Foresters. 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 Southwark planning department to check whether an Article 4 direction applies to your property.
Check with Southwark 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 Southwark building control or use an approved inspector.
How to Apply in Southwark
If you need planning permission for your tree removal, you can apply through Southwark'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 Southwark. 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 Southwark?
Does a tree removal in Southwark need building regulations?
How do I apply for planning permission in Southwark?
How long does planning permission take in Southwark?
What percentage of planning applications does Southwark approve?
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