Tree preservation orders
Local Planning Authorities have specific powers to protect certain trees by making tree preservation orders. The purpose of a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) 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. If you wish to check whether a tree is protected please write, email or fax, giving details of where the tree(s) are situated using the contact details opposite.
We are currently unable to respond to telephone calls regarding tree status enquiries.
Copies of TPOs are available for purchase. You can either get a 'full copy' or an extract comprising map and schedule. Costs for these services and associated postage are detailed on Planning Administration Fees and Charges 
(PDF 38KB)
Cheques should be made payable to 'London Borough of Barnet'. Alternatively, you may inspect copies of TPOs during normal office hours at North London Business Park, by prior arrangement only, using the contact details opposite.
Trees in conservation areas
Trees in conservation areas are also similarly protected. If a tree has a stem diameter greater than 75mm (3") measured 1.5m from the ground level, you are required to give us six weeks notice in writing of any tree works that you are proposing.
This enables us to assess the proposed works and if necessary serve a Tree Preservation Order. In accordance with the legislation, it is an offence to cut down, prune, lop, top, uproot or wilfully damage or destroy a tree in a conservation area without giving prior written notice to the council. The penalties for failing to notify us are similar to an offence affecting a tree under a TPO.
Working on protected trees
The Town and Country Planning (Trees) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2008 which came into force on 1 October 2008 introduces a requirement to use a standard application form for TPO trees. The form and accompanying guidance notes set out what information must submitted with the application.
Any application not made on the standard form, is incomplete, or fails to include the required information will be invalid. The form can also be used to give notice of intended work to trees in a conservation area that are not included in a TPO.
- Summary of the requirements and changes (PDF: 74KB)
The legislation also introduces a new fast track procedure for dealing with TPO appeals. Inspectors will only be able to consider the information provided with the original application; there will be no written representations procedure available - you must submit all important information at the outset, as you will not have a further opportunity to put your case forward.
This form and accompanying guidance notes can be obtained from the Planning Portal, or downloaded:
- Application to treat a tree (373KB)
- Guidance notes (135KB)
- Additional guidance from the planning portal (29KB)
Any person can apply to treat a tree but if you are not the owner it is advised that you consult with him/her on the proposed treatment.
Requests for Tree Preservation Orders
If you think a tree should be protected, which is not currently, you can ask the Planning Department to consider the tree(s) for possible inclusion in a tree preservation order. You should include a map and details about why you think the tree should be protected.
The Planning Department prioritises requests for Tree Preservation Orders, with most urgent attention being given to trees threatened by development on sites at which a planning application has been received.
Once a Tree Preservation Order is made, it takes immediate effect for a provisional period after which it needs to be confirmed. Notice is served of the making of the order and there is a 28 day period in which to comment.
Any comments received will be taken into account and a decision reached on whether or not the Order should be confirmed. A Provisional TPO must be confirmed within six months of the date of making the order; otherwise the protection afforded to the tree(s) expires.
- To apply for permission for works on a protected tree, or to give written notice of proposed work on a tree in a conservation area, please use the contact details opposite.
- To apply for a copy of a TPO please use the contact details opposite.
Email this pageLast modified by: Sean Johnson on 17/05/2010