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Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) were established under the Town and Country Planning Act 1974. This enabled local planning authorities to protect trees and woodlands in the interests of amenity by making tree preservation orders.

TPOs are used to protect trees that are considered important for the amenity value they provide.

The landowner is still responsible for the trees, their condition and any damage they might cause at all times.

Trees protected by a TPO may not be:

• Cut down
• Uprooted
• Topped
• Lopped
• Damaged
• Destroyed

You will need to apply for formal consent if you want to carry out any of the above. To apply for consent for work on a protected tree you can complete our online TPO Application Form or submit your application via the Planning Portal.

It is a criminal offence if you carry out work to a protected tree without planning permission. There is an unlimited fine and/or 2 years inprisonment.

Exceptions are made for trees that are dead, dying or dangerous; however, the owner has to prove that this is the case, so please notify the council before undertaking any work.

Trees in a Conservation Area

All trees within a Conservation Area (and with a diameter of 75mm or more when measured at a point of 1.5m above ground level) have the same protection as trees that are the subject of a TPO. If the tree meets this criteria you must apply to the council before carrying out any work on the tree.

Alternatively you can submit your application online via our planning forms section or via the Planning Portal

For further information and guidance regarding TPOs and Trees in a Conservation Area please contact the Development Advice and Control Section.