Tree Preservation Orders
- What is a Tree Preservation Order?
- Does this particular tree have a Tree Preservation Order?
- Do I need permission to treat a tree?
- How do I go about getting this permission?
Q1. What is a Tree Preservation Order?
Local planning authorities (the planning service within the Council) have specific powers to protect certain trees by making tree preservation orders.
The purpose of a tree preservation order is to protect trees which make a significant contribution to their local surroundings. Special provisions also apply to trees within conservation areas designated by local planning authorities.
In general it is an offence to cut down, lop, uproot, wilfully damage or destroy a protected tree without the planning authority’s permission.
Q2. Does this particular tree have a Tree Preservation Order?
Information concerning Tree Preservation Orders is often difficult locate and the process of clarifying whether a tree is protected can be lengthy.
Therefore, the council will only accept written requests for Tree Preservation Order searches. Please submit a plan or drawing detailing the exact location of the tree(s).
Copies of Tree Preservation Orders can also be obtained at a fee.
Please write to the address opposite for any of the above enquires.
Q3. Do I need permission to treat a tree?
If the tree is protected, in other words, it has a Tree Preservation Order (TPO), or it is in a conservation area, you require permission from the local planning authority ('the Council') for any works on the tree.
For general information , please use the contact details opposite.
Q4. How do I go about getting this permission?
The Town and Country Planning (Trees) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2008 which came into force on 1st October 2008 introduces a requirement to use a standard application form. This form and accompanying guidance notes can be obtained from the Council and Planning Portal, or downloaded.
Application to treat a tree
(373KB) and Guidance Notes (135KB)
For general information, please use the contact details opposite.
