Tree Preservation Order (TPO)
A Tree Preservation Order is an Order made by a Council in respect of a tree(s) because the tree is considered to bring amenity value to the surrounding area. The order makes it an offence to cut down, uproot, prune, lop or damage the tree in question without first obtaining the Council’s consent. A TPO can apply to a single tree, a group of trees or a woodland.
The Council must give notice of the making of a TPO and will consider any objections to it before making the decision whether to confirm it, to confirm it subject to modifications or to not confirm it.
Anyone who wishes to fell or carry out work to a tree protected by a TPO must apply to the Council to obtain permission. That person does not have to be the tree owner but they must state the reasons for making the application, the works required and make it clear to which tree the application relates. Colin White Tree Surgeons will undertake the application of any TPO or Conservation covered trees free of charge for our customers.
Conservation Area
Conservation Areas are ‘areas of special architectural or historic interest the character and appearance of which it is desirable to preserve and enhance’ (Civic Amenities Act 1967). They are areas of land awarded protected status by local planning authorities based upon against local and regional criteria.
They are designated usually for the preservation of buildings but they are also designated because of local and regional history, architecture, open spaces, such as gardens, parks and greens and trees.
With some exceptions, trees are protected in conservation areas and are treated in a similar manner to those covered by a Tree Preservation Order. Any work to trees within a conservation area regardless of the health or physical state of the tree, must be consented by the local Council prior to any work being undertaken, this process can take up to six weeks. It is considered an offence to carry out the work within that period without the consent of the relevant Council. Applications for works in conservation areas can be awkward and time consuming, and we recommended that you get a professional arborist to apply for your consent on your behalf – as an arboricultural report is now deemed as a necessary part of an application.
We will undertake applications for our clients free of charge.
