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Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs)

There are over 560 separate TPOs within our boundaries covering individual trees, groups of trees, 'areas' and woodlands.

TPOs are documents that give legal protection to specified individual trees, groups of trees or woodlands of public amenity value. A TPO can apply to a single tree, a group of trees or woodland. Any size, species or age of tree can be protected by a TPO. The tree(s) are usually visible from a public place and make a positive contribution to the landscape. With groups or woodlands, it is the collective amenity value of the trees that is important rather than the individual merits of each tree.

The order makes it an offence to cut down, uproot, prune, damage or destroy the tree or trees in question. This does not necessarily mean that work cannot be carried out; it means that permission must be obtained first.

A tree protected by a TPO is still the responsibility of the landowner, we are not responsible for the tree and will not contribute to the cost of its maintenance.

Sections 197 and 198 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 gives local planning authorities (LPA) the discretion to serve tree preservation orders. We (as the LPA) have to justify the placement of a TPO and the tree owner can object to the placement of such an order.

Protected tree protocol (PDF) [652KB]

In addition, there are controls over trees in conservation areas.

Carrying out work to a protected tree

Permission must be obtained first before carrying out any works to a tree or trees that are protected under a Tree Preservation Order (TPO).

Request a new TPO

You can use our online form to request a new TPO to legally protect a specified individual tree, group of trees or woodland.

Trees in conservation areas

Trees are valued features of our towns and countryside and can make an important contribution to the character and sense of place of our local environment.

Trees on development sites

Trees on development sites may be protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) and/or by conditions attached to a planning permission.

Hedgerow removal notices

You may need permission to remove a hedgerow, in particular hedgerows which are more than 20 metres long or which meet another hedgerow at either end.

Frequently asked questions about TPOs

Frequently asked questions about TPOs and protected trees.

Tree Preservation Order (TPO) team

Name
Tree Preservation Order (TPO) team
Tel
01792 635724
Mobile
07917 200201
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