Tree preservation orders and conservation areas
Trees damaged or destroyed without permission
It's a criminal offence to work on a protected tree in Southwark without permission from Southwark's planning department.
If a protected tree is damaged or destroyed without permission, the owner and person carrying out the work may be prosecuted and fined up to £20,000 and a replacement tree will also have to be planted. If prosecuted in a crown court for more serious offences, fines are liable to increase
If without putting yourself at risk, you are able to obtain information such as photographs or details of the contractor, this will help the council in any enforcement action.
Unauthorised works to protected trees can be reported directly to the planning enforcement team.
Page last updated: 18 July 2023
