Tree Preservation Orders

After some reccent good work by the Parish Councillor's a number of new trees have been added to the Tree Preseravtion Order (TPO) list for the village. A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is a legal mechanism used in the UK to protect specific trees, groups of trees, or woodlands that have significant amenity value — meaning they contribute positively to the local environment or landscape.

🌳 Purpose
A TPO aims to:

• Protect trees that make a visible and valuable contribution to the local area.
• Prevent unauthorised cutting down, pruning, or damaging of important trees.
• Help maintain local character, biodiversity, and air quality

⚖️ Legal Framework
Governed by the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, sections 197–214.

• Administered by the local planning authority (LPA) — usually your local council.

🏡 What a TPO Does
If a tree is subject to a TPO, you must obtain written consent from the LPA before doing any of the following:

• Cutting down
• Uprooting
• Topping
• Lopping
• Wilfully damaging or destroying it

Doing any of the above without permission is a criminal offence.

🚨 Penalties

• Fines of up to £20,000 per tree in Magistrates’ Court.
• Unlimited fines in the Crown Court for more serious offences.
• The Local Planning Authority can also require replanting of any unlawfully felled trees.

🔍 Finding Out if a Tree Has a TPO
You can:

• Check your council’s online map or database.
• Contact the planning or tree officer at your local authority.
• TPOs are also noted in local land charges, so they’ll show up in property searches.

🌲 TPOs and Development
If you’re applying for planning permission, the council will consider:

• How proposed development affects protected trees.
• Whether conditions should be added to retain or protect them.
• In some cases, planning permission can override a TPO if the council explicitly allows tree removal as part of the approved plan.

🦉 Exemptions
You don’t need permission if:

• The tree is dead, dying, or dangerous (but you must still prove this).
• You’re removing dead branches or maintaining safety.
• It’s necessary to comply with a legal obligation.
• It’s part of work approved under forestry or utility legislation.
• Even then, it’s wise to notify the Local Planning Authority in advance and keep records (e.g., photos).