Law on trees.. please advise

[happyjo]

At the bottom of my garden is a rather large tree. It is on our side against the boundary wall with another house on the other side. This other house is small and is only a few feet away from the wall and tree. The tree has obviously grown over the years and yesterday this neighbour came to our house asking us to remove the tree, as they have little natural light and the roots may also cause problems to their house. I am completely happy for them to remove as many branches as necessary to afford them daylight, however, to remove the tree completley will be expensive ( poor mature law student) and will also make our garden very visable from their house. They recently installed a window to the upstairs of their house, which over looks my house and garden. The glass is not frosted. If the tree goes it would make my 3 daughters bedrooms easily viewable. So, I have 2 questions for you lovely people.
1. Am I legally required to remove this tree?
2. Does the intsallation of a new window ( was just brick wall before) require planning consent? Many thanks in advance Jo x

[buildersmate]

No and almost certainly not (if the window overlooks their short rear garden).

[happyjo]

Thanks for your answer BM.. is it a no to both my questions??

[~Karen~]

Regarding the window, if you feel it is overlooking you, you could inform the council. They will investigate for themselves, it's generally a long procress. Quite often though they find that the window is not ENOUGH of a probem to warrent them taking enforcement action, and they wont bother if it's been there for four or more years.

You don't have to remove the tree, but I believe anything over hanging on to their property they can cut down.