tree - currently unprotected any retrospective come back if we remove?

[mulranno]

We have a large beech tree on our boundary (on to public foot path) which we want to remove. My understanding is that it does not have a preservation order on it. Are we free to remove it? or are there any permissions we need to seek in advance - want to avoid this step tho as imagine that if we ask a PO will be slapped on it - are there any consequences to removing the tree without permission?

If a tree with no preservation order is on your property you can cut it down. They are after all sometimes damaging (via the roots) your foundations. However you say its part on a public footpath, so you need to establish for sure it is your tree so I suppose the planning office will tell you. Make sure your indemnity insurance is up to date before you do anything.

Are you in a conservation area? I think you have to ask permission to even do some lopping of branches if you are, let alone cut down.

You have to advertise it if it is over a certain height in order for others to have the chance to apply for a preservation order if you are in a conservation area. Preservation Orders are reactive - they are only made in response to threats rather than systematically.

as far as i'm aware there are also rules about the time of year this can be done depending on the type of tree due to nesting birds. not sure on the actual rules but it's worth checking.

brilliant .... thanks so much this is v helpful