Tree Preservation Orders

We have a statutory duty under the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 to make and administer Tree Preservation Orders (TPO).

TPOs are made, at our discretion, to protect individual trees, groups of trees, and/or woodlands, with public amenity, against felling, topping, lopping, uprooting, or other damage.

We do not generally make a TPO unless there is a perceived threat to the tree.

If a tree is protected by a TPO you will need our consent to fell or carry out works to it.

Unauthorised works to a TPO tree could result in a fine up to £20,000.

Please check with us carrying out works to a tree that it is not protected by a TPO or situated within a Conservation Area.

Trees in conservation areas

Conservation areas are areas of special architectural or historical interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance. Other landscape features, including trees, may also contribute to the special character of a conservation area.

The Town & Country Planning Act 1990 makes special provision for trees in conservation areas. It requires anyone proposing to cut down or carry out work on a tree in a conservation area to give us six weeks' prior notice. The purpose of this is to give the us the opportunity to consider whether a TPO should be made in respect of the tree(s).

Failure to give us six weeks' prior notice could result in a fine up to £20,000.

Please check with us to see whether or not a tree is situated in the conservation area before carrying out works.

Details required

• tree preservation order number
• address
• name of conservation order.

How long will it take

Tree Preservation Order Applications

We have eight weeks to determine a TPO application. No work can take place until consent has been received.

Trees in Conservation Areas

There is a six week notification period. We may then either:

1. make a TPO, if justified, or
2. not make a TPO and allow the six week period to expire, whereby the proposed work can take place, provided that it is undertaken within two years, or
3. not make a TPO and inform you that the work can go ahead, provided that it is undertaken within two years.