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Written question asked by Catherine West (Labour) on Monday, 8 March 2021, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 10 March 2021. It was answered by Rebecca Pow (Conservative) on Tuesday, 16 March 2021 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Tree Felling

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to reduce the number of mature trees felled each year as a result of claims of subsidence damage to nearby buildings.

Answer

The irreplaceable nature of veteran trees and ancient woodlands is recognised in our 25 Year Environment Plan and further measures will be outlined in the Government's action plan on trees.

We have strengthened the protection of trees through the National Planning Policy Framework and guidance to planners. These outline that developments should be refused if they would lead to the loss or deterioration of ancient woodland and veteran trees, unless there are wholly exceptional reasons and suitable compensation measures.

In addition, protection can be given to trees of particular significance by the local planning authority through a Tree Preservation Order (TPO). Placing a TPO on a tree or group of trees means the landowner would require local planning authority consent before working on or felling the protected trees.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
164576
Session
2019-21
Subjects
Buildings Subsidence Tree felling
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk