WE CAN ACT AS YOUR AGENT TO APPLY ON YOUR BEHALF
Tree Preservation Order Advice.
We don't simply explain the Tree Preservation Order (TPO) legal jargon, we're here as your trusted partners; guiding you through the process and filing formal 'Applications to Carry Out Works to Protected Trees', and appealing or objecting to a TPO on your behalf.
Arb Innovators' experienced tree surveyors and consultants will walk you through the process, providing insight into acceptable specifications for tree works. Though we cannot promise that your local council will approve your application, our pragmatic, experienced approach and trusted working relationships with local authority Tree Officers across the UK, ensure the process is as smooth as possible.
LEAVE US TO CUT THROUGH THE LEGAL JARGON
Ready to submit a TPO application?
As seasoned arboriculturists with over a decade of diverse experience, we understand the application process for Applying for consent to trees subject to a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) and providing professional and competent arboricultural advice, ensuring all boxed are ticked.
Three steps - that's it. We'll act as your agent, conduct a tree survey and advise as to what tree works are likely to be permitted.
#1
Simply fill out our quick and easy online form, email or call us.
#2
Accept our Quote using our booking form and we'll get to work on your application or objection.
#3
We'll guide you through our findings and submit your TPO application, promptly!
Understanding Tree Preservation Orders.
A Tree Preservation Order, or TPO, is issued by a local planning authority (LPA or the local council) under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended by the Town and Country Planning (Tree Preservation) (England) Regulations 2012) to protect a specific tree or woodland from deliberate damage and destruction.
This includes felling, lopping, topping, uprooting, and other intentional destruction. Cutting roots is likewise not permitted and requires the written consent of the LPA.
A TPO can be imposed by an LPA if it deems to be 'expedient in the interests of amenity to make provision for the preservation of trees or woodland in their area'. Though there is no clear legal definition, amenity with regards to a TPO is primarily related with a tree's visibility from a public space.
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More information concerning the legislation surrounding Tree Preservation Orders and Conservation Areas can be found on the GOV.UK website, here.
How does a TPO protect trees and woods?
A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is one of the main legislative mechanisms for tree protection in the UK, protecting trees and woodland from potential harm. TPOs are most commonly used for urban and semi-urban environments and trees with high ‘amenity’ or ‘nature conservation value’.
This includes felling, lopping, topping, uprooting, and other intentional destruction. Cutting roots is likewise not permitted and requires the written consent of the LPA.
Failure to get your local council's consent via an application for consent for tree works might result in serious repercussions, including a potentially unlimited fine, and even imprisonments.
But don't worry; we're your allies, competent in navigating the nuances of TPOs, ensuring you understand the complexity, whilst ensuring you avoid mis-information and stay the right side of the law.
How long does the TPO Application take?
If you want to apply for works to prune or fell a tree that’s already protected by a TPO you must obtain permission from the local council by submitting a formal application. Your local council will formally write to you confirming their decision within eight weeks of submitting an application. If the tree is within a conservation area, you will usually hear from the council within six weeks.
The local council will often recommend that your application, particularly to fell a tree subject to a TPO, includes an accurate arboricultural specification of the proposed works (to BS 3998:2010 Tree work. Recommendations) and supporting evidence or information typically prepared by a qualified and competent arborist.
Your application will also need to include a map indicating the position of the tree(s) which are included in the application.
Can a TPO tree be felled for development?
If Full planning permission is granted for a site and the felling of a tree protected by a TPO is included in the Arboricultural Impact Assessment or Arboricultural Method Statement for the approved planning application, then planning permission outweighs any protection that the TPO may have offered.
If you only have outline planning permission or approved development rights, you cannot carry out tree work to trees subject to a TPO without consent. It is crucial to note that a Tree Preservation Order does not prohibit planning permission from being given; but, when deciding on planning applications, the council will take into account the threat of damage, harm, removal, and even future pressures to prune or remove protected trees.
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After detailed, full planning permission is granted, any pruning or felling that is directly required to enable the development to proceed may be carried out.
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Let's start a conversation.
Please reach out to us if you’d like to work with us. We have a broad range of experience providing tree surveys and tree reports across all aspects of arboriculture, and we are looking for those who want a fresh perspective.
If you are interested in working with an innovative and versatile arboriculture consultancy on your next project, collaborating on a current project for one of your existing clients, or just want to geek out over all things trees and innovative technology – I would love to hear from you.
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- Callum Throw, Arb Innovators
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We're sure you've got a lot of questions and we're more than happy to answer them. When it comes to arboriculture and understanding trees, tree surveying and the various tree surveys and reports available, we're happy to provide the answers. After all, knowledge is power.