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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. 

 

2025 tree felling consultations

24 Brooklands Avenue, Wixams, MK42 6AB

Proposal

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.