Tree work in a conservation area?

[Treetom15]

Hi all

 

As the title suggests, I’ve been asked to remove a couple of trees in (what I think) is a conservation area. Now I know usually there should be an application with the local council etc etc….however, the homeowner is certain he doesn’t want to go down that rout, he says all the neighbours are in agreement that the tree (s) should be removed (medium cherry tree, causing damage to parking space etc, no more than 30ft) and he is completely happy to pay any fines etc should they be incurred. 
 

Basically my question is, if I carry out the work am I liable if I have advised the homeowner to do the relevant applications and checks and they haven’t done them? I don’t want to do the work if I will get fined, I’m not sure if I would be if he has said he will sort any fines (should it come to that)

 

I want to keep it tidy and above board, but the customer was very sure he did NOT want to speak to council TO’s🤷‍♂️

[derek robinson]

Walk away, when the c*** hits the fan, which it will, they will gladly give your name and leave you to it.

 

[Mick Dempsey]

Unless you’re getting crazy money for it, walk away.

 

[Treetom15]

Definitely not crazy money-however the chap is minted and insisted that any fines he would pay. Best thing I can think is to speak to the local TO Monday and see what they say?

[Stubby]

If its a CA and the trees do not have direct TPO then you need to tell the local authority of your intention to do the works . If they do not respond in the time frame specified then you just crack on. BUT . YOU need to see if its just a CA or if there are specific TPOs on any of the trees .   Go ,into the local council offices and ask to see if there are any TPOs for that post code .  Only do this if you want the work . If you don't then who cares . 

[Khriss]

25 minutes ago, Treetom15 said:

Definitely not crazy money-however the chap is minted and insisted that any fines he would pay. Best thing I can think is to speak to the local TO Monday and see what they say?

Is the Right Answer. He has dodgey ****************ker written all over  him. K

[Con]

If he's treating the council with such disregard,  what makes you think he's going to treat you any better when the s**t hits the fan?

[Thesnarlingbadger]

I wouldn’t go near it mate. If I have anyone tell me they don’t want to go down the planning route I just say I’m not putting my company at risk and risking a good relationship with the tree officers. More jobs will come along and if there is damage to property then I doubt your LA with have an issue with a tree coming out.

[Treetom15]

I’ll speak to the council Monday, I’m hoping as they’re mostly self set trees they shouldn’t have any preservation orders on them. It could be a quick way to ruin a reputation and I don’t want that sh1t on my doorstep!

[Thesnarlingbadger]

If you do it and the council find out your tree officers would have good reason to make life hard for you in future. Just explain to the guy you are not willing to brake the law for a few quid.