We value the importance of trees in our local environment and are committed to their protection.
What is a Tree Preservation Order (TPO)?
A TPO may be used to protect trees, groups of trees or woodlands, which add to the character and appearance of an area. We enforce them as well as issue them to the owner or occupier of the land.
There are over 60 TPOs within our area which provide statutory protection for those trees specified in the order.
View our TPO map
Trees in a Conservation Area are automatically protected as if a TPO was in place.
When assessing the imposition of a TPO, two main factors taken into account are:
- protecting trees considered to be of special value in terms of amenity, history or rarity, which may or may not be under threat
- ensuring the continuance of woodland areas which may be felled with our consent, by securing the replanting of trees, where this is considered necessary
Applying for a TPO
A request for a TPO should include details of the location of the trees and reasons why a TPO should be made.
Factors of relevance include:
- potential threat
- visibility
- individual impact
- wider impact
- historical importance
- rarity
For general guidance on ‘Tree Preservation Orders’ see pages 48-51 of Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) for the Plan Strategy.
Submit your application online via this link
What happens if I breach a TPO?
It is a criminal offence to cut down, top, lop, uproot, wilfully destroy or damage a tree in a manner likely to destroy it, without our consent.
The Courts can charge significant fines or carry out sentencing depending on the nature of the breach.
Types of TPOs we can provide
A TPO
We may give notice of our intention to make a TPO to the owner and occupiers of the land.
They then have 28 days from the date of notice 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.
The order does not take effect until it has been confirmed by us.
A Provisional TPO
A Provisional TPO takes effect immediately on the date specified.
It provides protection for the trees. It may be used in situations where we consider the existence of the trees to be under immediate threat.
Comments may still be made within 28 days from the date of notice and will be taken into account before we decide if the TPO is to be confirmed.
We must confirm a Provisional TPO within six months of the date of the order, to ensure the protection afforded to the trees does not expire.