Conservation And Urban Design Planning - Tree Management

Tree preservation orders

TPOs can be served to stop a tree or group of trees from being felled. On occasions it is necessary to fell trees, for example to make way for property developments or if the trees themselves are poorly managed.

In order to successfully serve a TPO you need to demonstrate that the loss of the tree(s) will result in a negative impact on the surrounding area; for example reducing the public's ability to enjoy the location of the tree(s).

This can be claimed if:

The tree(s) are normally visible from a public place such as a road or footpath (although exceptions can be made if other trees are blocking the view)
The benefit may be present or future eg if the trees are not yet fully grown and will in time be visible
The trees are worthy of preservation for their intrinsic beauty or for their contribution to the landscape
They serve to screen an eyesore or future development
Their value is enhanced by their scarcity
The value of a group of trees or woodland may collectively be important

Other factors such as wildlife habitat can strengthen a case but not be sufficient in isolation to justify a TPO.

Useful links:

Fact sheet
TPO 1APP application form
TPO 1APP guidance notes

Further pages in Conservation And Urban Design Planning - Tree Management

A guide to the law and good practice

This guide, published in March 2000, is aimed principally at local authorities. It provides detailed guidance on the making, management and enforcement of tree preservation orders (TPOs).

A guide to the law and good practice