Tree Preservation Orders

The council protects important trees by applying tree preservation orders. These may cover individual trees or groups of trees which are then protected from unauthorised pruning, felling, topping, uprooting or any other form of damage.

Many trees in Eastbourne are protected by tree preservation orders. You will need to apply to the council for permission if you wish to carry out work to a tree which is protected. You can download the application form below.

It is a good idea to get advice from an arboriculturist (a trained expert in trees and forestry) before making an application. This may save you the time and money involved in making an application. 

Your application must state the reason for making the application, the trees to which the application relates and specify as precisely as possible the tree work that is proposed.

Trees in Conservation Areas

Trees in conservation areas may also be protected even if they are not covered by a tree preservation order. You must give the council six weeks' notice of any works that you intend to carry out on such trees.

Please ask us whether a tree is affected by either a preservation order or a conservation area before carrying out any work. You could be fined up to £20,000 or twice the value of the tree (whichever is greater) for carrying out work to protected trees without consent.

Trees on Development Sites

Trees on development sites are particularly at risk. Considerable damage can be caused to trunks, branches and roots by vehicles and machinery if trees are not protected during construction works.

Conditions may be imposed when planning permission is granted for a development to ensure the provision and maintenance of landscaping, together with the replacement of any trees that die.