Durham County Council investigates Whorlton tree felling

Durham County Council has confirmed it was contacted about the felling of a blue spruce tree in Whorlton, near Barnard Castle.

While the tree was not subject to a Tree Preservation Order (TPO), the authority said it should have been notified before any work was carried out because the site falls within a designated Conservation Area.

Whorlton (Image: STUART BOULTON)

Stephen Reed, Durham County Council’s planning manager, said: “We can confirm we have been contacted about the removal of a blue spruce tree within the Conservation Area at Whorlton.

Whorlton Village Hall (Image: STUART BOULTON)

"We should be notified of any work on trees in a Conservation Area, and in this case, that has not happened. Our planning enforcement team is investigating.”

Under planning rules, anyone intending to carry out works to trees in a Conservation Area must give the local planning authority six weeks’ written notice.

Whorlton Village sign (Image: STUART BOULTON)

This allows the council time to consider whether the tree merits formal protection through a Tree Preservation Order.

Failure to provide notice can result in enforcement action, including potential fines if the authority determines the works were carried out unlawfully.

It is not yet clear why the tree was removed.

The council said its investigation will establish the circumstances surrounding the felling and determine whether any further action is needed.