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All local authorities in England must consult with members of the public before felling a tree (or trees) on an urban road (unless the work is exempt under section 96A of the Highways Act).

The need to consult does not apply if:

  • The street tree has a diameter not exceeding 8 centimetres (measured over the bark, at a point 1.3 metres above ground level).
  • The authority considers that the street tree is dead.
  • The authority considers that the street tree is required to be felled:
    • (i) by virtue of an order under the Plant Health Act 1967, or
    • (ii) under any enactment on the basis that the tree is dangerous.
  • The authority considers that the street tree is required to be felled in order to comply with:
    • (i) a duty to make reasonable adjustments in the Equality Act 2010 because the tree is causing an obstruction (see section 20 of that Act), or
    • (ii) a duty in section 29 of that Act (prohibitions on discrimination, etc in the provision of services) because the tree is causing an obstruction.
  • The felling of the street tree is required for the purpose of carrying out development authorised by:
    • (i) planning permission granted under section 70, 73, 76D, 77 or 79 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, or
    • (ii) outline planning permission granted under section 92 of that Act. 

2026 tree felling consultations

41 Brickhill Drive, MK41 7QA

Proposal: Removal of a tree located in the grass verge outside 41 Brickhill Drive, Bedford. The tree is implicated as a factor in subsidence property damage.

Considerations of alternative methods to prevent tree removal: The installation of a root barrier has been considered but it was decided that this would not be practical in this case.

Replanting proposal: Replace with a smaller, lower water demanding tree species.

Species: Common lime

Number of trees: 1

Date of Notice: 2 February 2026

Consultation ends: 2 March 2026

Consultation response 3 March 2026

Decision: After due consideration Bedford Borough Council has decided to remove the tree.

No responses received either for or against the removal of the tree.

Replanting proposal: The installation of a root barrier has been considered, but it was decided that this would not be practical in this case.

39 Brickhill Drive, MK41 7QA

Proposal: Removal of a tree located in the grass verge outside 39 Brickhill Drive, Bedford. The tree is implicated as a factor in subsidence property damage.

Considerations of alternative methods to prevent tree removal: The installation of a root barrier has been considered but it was decided that this would not be practical in this case.

Replanting proposal: Replace with a smaller, lower water demanding tree species.

Species: Common lime

Number of trees: 1

Date of Notice: 2 February 2026

Consultation ends: 2 March 2026

Consultation response 3 March 2026

Decision: After due consideration Bedford Borough Council has decided to remove the tree.

No responses received either for or against the removal of the tree.

Replanting proposal: The installation of a root barrier has been considered, but it was decided that this would not be practical in this case.

Whitebeam Close MK42 7SX

Proposal: Removal of a tree located to the rear of 6 Juniper Walk, Kempston.

Considerations of alternative methods to prevent tree removal: Due to the close proximity of the boundary wall there are no practical control measures available.

Replanting proposal: Tree to be replaced with a smaller more suitable tree species for the location

Species: Horse chestnut

Number of trees: 1

Date of Notice: 14 January 2026

Consultation ends: 10 February 2026

1c Church Road, Wilstead MK45 3HH

Proposal: Removal of a tree located outside 1c Church Road.

Considerations of alternative methods to prevent tree removal: Due to the close proximity of the tree to the driveway there are no practical control measures available.

Replanting proposal: The site is not suitable for a replacement tree.

Species: Swedish whitebeam

Number of trees: 1

Date of Notice: 12 January 2026

Consultation ends: 8 February 2026

Consultation response 25 February 2026

Decision: After due consideration Bedford Borough Council has decided to remove the tree.

No responses received either for or against the removal of the tree.

Replanting proposal: Due to the close proximity of the tree to the driveway there are no practical control measures available.

6 Manorbier Road, MK41 8PB

Proposal: Removal of a tree located outside 6 Manorbier Road.

Considerations of alternative methods to prevent tree removal: Due to the close proximity of the tree to the driveway there are no practical control measures available.

Replanting proposal: Tree to be replaced with a smaller more suitable tree species for the location.

Species: Norway maple

Number of trees: 1

Date of Notice: 12 January 2026

Consultation ends: 8 February 2026

Consultation response 27 February 2026

Decision: After due consideration Bedford Borough Council has decided to remove the tree.

No responses received either for or against the removal of the tree.

Replanting proposal: Due to the close proximity of the tree to the driveway there are no practical control measures available.

23 Naylor Avenue, MK42 7SG

Proposal: Removal of a tree located to the side of 23 Naylor Avenue, Kempston.

Due to the close proximity of the boundary wall there are no practical control measures available.

Replanting proposal: The site is not suitable for a replacement tree.

Species: Serviceberry

Number of trees: 1

Date of Notice: 8 January 2026

Consultation ends: 4 February 2026

2025 tree felling consultations

32 Neville Crescent MK43 8JF

Proposal: Removal of a tree located in the highway verge outside 32 Neville Crescent, Bromham.

Considerations of alternative methods to prevent tree removal: A root barrier has been considered as an alternative to tree removal but it has been decided this is not practical in this case.

Replanting proposal: Tree to be replaced with a smaller more suitable tree species for the location.

Species: Norway maple

Number of trees: 1

Date of Notice: 1 December 2025

Consultation ends: 29 December 2025

Consultation response 2 January 2026

Decision: After due consideration Bedford Borough Council has decided to remove tree.

No responses received either for or against the removal of the tree.

Replanting proposal: Replace with a smaller tree species.

Outside 2 Southern Cross, Wixams (both sides of the road)

Proposal: Removal of two trees: one located within the grass verge outside 2 Southern Cross, Wixams, and the other positioned on the opposite side of the carriageway. This action is necessary to facilitate the installation of a new parallel crossing.

Considerations of alternative methods to prevent tree removal: None. Removal of trees are essential to facilitate the installation of a new parallel crossing. 

Replanting proposal: None. Replacement trees will be planted at a suitable alternate location.

Number of trees: 2

Species: Lime

Date of notice: 28 November 2025

Consultation ends: 25 December 2025

Consultation response 8 January 2026

After due consideration Bedford Borough Council has decided to: Remove two trees.

No responses received either for or against the removal of the tree.

Replanting proposal: Replacement trees will be planted at a suitable alternate location.

60 Tyne Crescent, MK41 7UL

Proposal: Removal of a tree located in the grass verge outside 60 Tyne Crescent, Bedford.

Considerations of alternative methods to prevent tree removal: The installation of a root barrier has been considered but it was decided that this would not be practical in this case.

Replanting proposal: Proposal to replace the tree with a more suitable species of tree for the location.

Species: Small leafed lime

Number of trees: 1

Date of Notice: 17 November 2025

Consultation ends: 16 December 2025

Consultation response 21 December 2025

Decision: After due consideration Bedford Borough Council has decided to remove tree.

No responses received either for or against the removal of the tree.

Replanting proposal: Replace with a smaller tree species.

27 Birkdale Road, MK41 8BA

Proposal: Removal of a tree located in the grass verge to the side of 27 Birkdale Road, Bedford.

Considerations of alternative methods to prevent tree removal: The installation of a root barrier has been considered but it was decided that this would not be practical in this case.

Replanting proposal: Site not suitable for replacement tree planting.

Species: Cockspur thorn

Number of trees: 1

Date of Notice: 17 November 2025

Consultation ends: 16 December 2025

Consultation response 21 December 2025

Decision: After due consideration Bedford Borough Council has decided to remove tree.

No responses received either for or against the removal of the tree.

Replanting proposal: Site not suitable for replanting.

 

6 Pembroke Street MK40 3RH

Proposal: Removal of a tree outside 6 Pembroke Street, Bedford.

Considerations of alternative methods to prevent tree removal: Footpath repairs have been considered as an alternative to removal but it has been decided this is not practical in this case.

Replanting proposal: Tree to be replaced with a smaller more suitable tree species for the location. 

Species: Crab apple 

Number of trees: 1

Date of Notice: 11 November 2025

Consultation ends: 10 December 2025

Consultation response 11 December 2025

Decision: After due consideration Bedford Borough Council has decided to remove tree.

No responses received either for or against the removal of the tree.

Footpath repairs have been considered as an alternative to removal but it has been decided this is not practical in this case.

28 Haylands Way MK41 9BU

Proposal: Removal of a tree located in the highway verge outside 28 Haylands Way, Bedford.

Considerations of alternative methods to prevent tree removal: A root barrier has been considered as an alternative to tree removal but it has been decided that this is not practical in this case.

Replanting proposal: Tree to be replaced with a smaller more suitable tree species for the location.

Species: Silver maple 

Number of trees: 1

Date of Notice: 7 November 2025

Consultation ends: 6 December 2025

Consultation response 8 December 2025

Decision: After due consideration Bedford Borough Council has decided to remove tree

No responses received either for or against the removal of the tree.

Replanting proposal: Smaller tree species to be replanted.

Birkdale Road, MK41 8BA

Proposal: Removal of tree located in the grass verge to the side of 2 Sunningdale Walk, Bedford.

Considerations of alternative methods to prevent tree removal: Bridging lintels in the foundations have been considered but it was decided that this would not be appropriate in this case.

Replanting proposal: Site not suitable for replacement tree planting.

Species: Flowering cherry 

Number of trees: 1

Date of Notice: 6 November 2025

Consultation ends: 5 December 2025

Consultation response 8 December 2025

Decision: After due consideration Bedford Borough Council have decided to remove tree

No responses received either for or against the removal of the tree.

Bridging lintels in the foundations have been considered but it was decided that this would not be appropriate in this case.

 

1 Glamis Walk, Bedford, MK41 8LG

Proposal: Removal of one tree located on the grass verge to the side of 1 Glamis Walk, due to its roots causing damage to the adjacent property. A replacement tree has already been planted at this location; the site is not suitable for another replacement tree.

Consideration of alternative measures to prevent tree removal: Installation of a root barrier.

Number of trees: 1

Species: Purple leafed cherry plum

Date of notice: 29 July 2025

Consultation ends: 26 August 2025

Consultation response 8 September 2025

No responses received either for or against the removal of the tree.

Decision: Remove tree.

Root barrier installation has been considered. Not enough gap between the tree and boundary wall to install a root barrier without causing damage to the tree. The tree is already in decline.

Replanting proposal: Site not suitable for replanting.

2 Norfolk Close, Bedford, MK41 7YW

Proposal: Removal of one tree located on the grass verge to the side of 2 Norfolk Close, due to its roots causing damage to an adjacent property. 

Consideration of alternative measures to prevent tree removal: Installation of a root barrier.

Replanting proposal: Replace with a more suitable species of tree further away from any properties.

Number of trees: 1

Species: Alder

Date of notice: 29 July 2025

Consultation ends: 26 August 2025

Consultation response 5 September 2025

No responses received either for or against the removal of the tree.

Decision: Remove tree.

Root barrier installation has been considered. The barrier would have to cover the full length of the property, the cost of which would be disproportionate to the removal of the tree. 

Replanting proposal: Wild cherry.

1 Cleat Hill, Bedford, MK41 8AL

Proposal: Removal of one tree located to the side of 1 Cleat Hill due to roots causing damage to the adjacent driveway. 

The location is not suitable for replacement tree planting due to the proximity of an overhead power cable. 

Consideration of alternative measures to prevent tree removal: Installation of a root barrier

Number of trees: 1

Species: Western Red Cedar

Date of notice: 16 July 2025

Consultation ends: 13 August 2025

Consultation response 8 September 2025

No responses received either for or against the removal of the two trees.

Decision: Remove tree.

Root barrier installation has been considered. Not enough gap between the tree and the adjacent property to install a root barrier without causing significant damage to the tree.

Replanting proposal: Not a suitable location for a replanting.

24 Brooklands Avenue, Wixams, MK42 6AB

Proposal

Removal of two trees due to them causing damage to the surrounding footpath, which is creating a trip hazard for pedestrians. Trees to be replaced with small ornamental trees suitable for this location. 

Consideration of alternative measures to prevent tree removal: Removal of existing pavers and replace with a flexible porous surface.

Number of trees: 2

Species: Honey locust

Date of notice: 19 March 2025

Consultation ends: 16 April 2025

Consultation response 22 April 2025

No responses received either for or against the removal of the two trees.

Decision: Remove both trees.

Alternative footway surfacing material considered, however this would not guarantee further damage to the footpath in the future. Both trees are young and not reached their full size, damage caused by the tree roots will increase if trees are left in-situ and there are no practical measures to prevent this. 
 

2024 tree felling consultations

38 Leasway, Bedford, MK41 9DE

Proposal

Proposal: Removal of a tree removal due to excessive fruit fall on the pavement which is creating a hazard for pedestrians. There are no practical alternative methods available to prevent fruit fall on the pavement. Tree to be replaced with an ornamental tree species suitable for this location.

Species: Pear

Number of trees: one

Date of Notice: 25 October 2024

Consultation ends: 22 November 2024

Consultation response 18 February 2025

Decision: After due consideration Bedford Borough Council has decided to remove the tree.

The tree produces a large quantity of fruit during the late summer and  autumn months. The fallen fruit from the tree are a nuisance and trip hazard for pedestrians and nearby residents. 

Pruning and chemical/hormone spray were considered as an alternative option to removal. 

  • Pruning will have very little effect in reducing the number of fruit the tree produces. Excessive pruning would promote vigorous regrowth and therefore counter-productive in reducing the amount of fruit fall. 
  • Chemical or hormone spray applications are reliant on the correct weather conditions for applications. Timing of applications is crucial, spraying before or after flowering would be ineffective. It also goes against the Council's policy of limiting the use of chemicals.

Replanting proposal: Non-fruit producing ornamental tree species.

Stagsden Road, Bromham, backing onto Orchard Way

Proposal

Proposal: Removal of a line trees that are growing next to the fence and very close to properties, which are having an adverse impact on the buildings.

Species: Conifer

Number of trees: 16

Date of Notice: 16 October 2024

Consultation ends: 19 November 2024

Consultation response 31 January 2025

Decision: After due consideration Bedford Borough Council has decided to remove the line of conifer trees.

The Council has received a single objection regarding the proposed removal of the trees. After careful consideration, a decision has been reached to remove the trees due to their detrimental impact on the nearby building. The species of the trees are not suitable for the designated location, and there are no viable engineering solutions to retain them effectively. The decision-making process took into account the objection received; however, it is believed that allowing the trees to remain would have long-term repercussions for the adjacent highways and properties, including substantial maintenance obligations in the years to come.

Replanting proposal: The location is not suitable for replanting.

How to respond to a consultation

If you wish to comment on a proposal to fell a highways tree, please please do so by emailing Environment.Helpdesk@bedford.gov.uk.

Please include the following at the top of your email:

  • The tree consultation location.
  • Whether you object or support the consultation.
  • Any comment you wish to make on the consultation. 

The consultation period is 28 days from the date of notice. Any responses received after that date will not be considered.

We cannot accept anonymous comments.

What happens next

The results of the consultation will remain applicable for a period of two years following the end of the consultation period.