The importance of trees is recognised in the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 which makes special provision for trees in conservation areas which are not already protected by a tree preservation order.
Under Section 211 of the act anyone proposing to cut down or carry out work on a tree is required to give the council six weeks prior notice.
Notification does not have to be in a particular form but you may wish to use the notification or the Planning Portal web site available on the bottom of this page.
The notice must set out clearly what work is proposed.
A proposal to 'top' or 'lop' a tree would not be acceptable because there are many different ways to 'top' or 'lop' a tree.
Please be as specific as possible in describing the work you wish to do.
You may find it easier to get your tree surgeon to do this for you. It is also advisable to provide a map showing the location of the trees.