Trees ~ these are part of our national heritage and are also the source
of timber † to maintain this source a control over tree felling has been
established under the Forestry Act 1967 which places the control
responsibility on the Forestry Commission. Local planning authorities
also have powers under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and
the Town and Country Amenities Act 1974 to protect trees by making
tree preservation orders. Contravention of such an order can lead to a
substantial fine and a compulsion to replace any protected tree which
has been removed or destroyed. Trees on building sites which
are covered by a tree preservation order should be protected by a
suitable fence.
Trees, shrubs, bushes and tree roots which are to be removed from
site can usually be grubbed out using hand held tools such as saws,
picks and spades. Where whole trees are to be removed for
relocation special labour and equipment is required to ensure that
the roots, root earth ball and bark are not damaged.
Structures ~ buildings which are considered to be of historic or
architectural interest can be protected under the Planning Acts
provisions. The Department for Communities and Local Government
lists buildings according to age, architectural, historical and/or
intrinsic value. It is an offence to demolish or alter a listed building
without first obtaining `listed building consent' from the local
planning authority. Contravention is punishable by a fine and/or
imprisonment. It is also an offence to demolish a listed building
without giving notice to the Royal Commission on Historical
Monuments, this is to enable them to note and record details of
the building.
Protection Orders for Trees and Structures