Countryside Hedgerow Protections

Most countryside hedgerows are legally protected under the Environment Act 1995 and the Hedgerows Regulations 1997.

If you wish to remove all or part of a hedgerow which does not form part of a domestic garden you will normally need to submit a Hedgerow Removal Notice (PDF) [199KB] to the council.

For a full description of what hedges are protected and further details on the Hedgerows Regulations, Visit Gov.uk for information on protection and management of countryside hedges

Remember that trees within any hedgerow may be protected by a tree preservation order, by their location in a Conservation Area, or by conditions of a planning permission. Separate application procedures will be required for these.

Submitting a Hedgerow Removal Notice

The quickest and easiest way to submit is via the Planning Portal website, where everything can be uploaded electronically.

Alternatively, you can complete and return our Hedgerow Removal Notice (PDF) [199KB] application form, to trees@staffsmoorlands.gov.uk

A valid application will need to provide the following information:

• A detailed plan showing the location of the hedgerow(s), identifying the stretch(es) to be removed.
• The reasons for carrying out the works.

How long does an application take?

We have 6 weeks to assess the hedgerow and make a decision on a Hedgerow Removal notification.

If the hedge is suitable for retention, as per the Hedgerow Regulations, the council will issue a Hedgerow Retention Notice to prevent the proposed removal.

Do I have to pay?

No. Hedgerow Removal notifications are free of charge.

Who can carry out the work?

Tree work is dangerous and should only be carried out by well-trained, fully insured arboricultural contractors. Search for approved contractors on the Arboricultural Association website.