Trees in Conservation Areas

If you live in the older part of a town or village you may be living in a Conservation Area. Mid Bedfordshire has 39 designated conservation areas which are listed below. 

The statutory definition of a conservation area is an area of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance. The character and appearance are often enhanced by such features as walls, hedgerows and trees. This Council encourages the retention of these important elements. 

Six weeks written notice must be given to this Council of any intended topping, lopping or felling of trees within a conservation area. If we decide that felling is undesirable we may place a Tree Preservation Order on the tree, after which normal conditions relating to Tree Preservation Orders apply. The Penalties for undertaking works to tree(s) within a Conservation Area within the six week period are similar to those for undertaking unauthorised works to a tree(s) covered by a Tree Preservation Order. 

If you intend to carry out work to your trees and believe that you are in a Conservation Area, you will need to submit a notice of intent on the relevant form to Tree & Landscape Manager, Environmental & Planning Services, Mid Beds District Council, Priory House, Monks Walk, Chicksands, Beds SG17 5TQ.  If you require further information contact a member of the Aboricultural Staff. 

A leaflet giving guidance relating to the law and procedures to be followed by those responsible for trees within a Conservation Area is available to download on the right of the page. 

Ampthill  
Aspley Guise
Astwick  
Biggleswade 
Blunham 
Clifton   
Clophill  
Eversholt (Church End)  
Flitton   
Harlington  
Haynes (Church End)  
Henlow  
Husborne Crawley  
Husborne (Church End) 
Ickwell  
Maulden  
Meppershall
Millbrook
Milton Bryan
Northill
Aspley Heath
Old Warden
Potton
Pulloxhill
Ridgmont
Sandy
Shefford
Shillington
Silsoe
Southill
Steppingley
Sutton
Tempsford (Church End)
Tempsford (Station Road)
Tingrith
Woburn
Wrestlingworth