Applying for Tree Preservation Order Consent

In general it is an offence under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 for anyone to undertake work to a tree that is included on a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) without our consent.

On 1st October 2008 the Town and Country (Trees)(Amendment)(England)Regulations 2008 came into force.

This means that we are now only able to accept applications on the new standard application form.

The form can be completed and guidance notes can be viewed on the Planning Portal website.

It should be noted that it is not an offence to undertake work to a TPO tree that is dead, dying or has become dangerous.

However, the burden of proof that that a tree is exempt from the need for consent because of the condition of the tree(s) lies with the person carrying out the work. Anyone proposing to do work under this exemption is strongly advised to contact the tree officer for advice before hand.

Page last reviewed 9 Oct 2008