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 or fax, giving details of where the tree(s) are situated using the contact details opposite.
We are currently unable to respond to email or telephone status enquiries.
Copies of TPOs are available for purchase. You can either get a 'full copy' costing £30 per order, plus 75p postage, or an extract comprising map and schedule for £17 per order (plus postage).
Cheques should be made payable to 'LB Barnet'. Alternatively, you may inspect copies of TPOs at the Planning Reception Desk (at the opposite address) during normal office hours.
Trees in Conservation Areas
Trees in Conservation Areas are also protected by similar laws. If a tree has a stem diameter greater than 75mm (3") measured at 1.5m from the ground you are required to give the Council 6 weeks notice in writing of any tree works that you are proposing.
This enables the Council to assess the works that you are proposing 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 the Council are similar to an offence under TPO.
Working on protected trees
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 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
(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 from the Council website:
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 and isn’t, you can ask the Planning Department to consider the tree(s) for possible inclusion in an order. You should include a map and details about why you think the tree should be protected.
The Planning Department may make a Provisional TPO, which takes immediate effect. 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 6 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 contact Planning Reception at the address opposite.
Email this pageLast modified by: Sean Johnson on 16/02/2009