Blaby District Council

Summary

Tree Preservation Orders are made by a Planning Authority under Part V111 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 in England and Wales or Section 160 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 in Scotland and within the procedures set out in the Town and Country Planning (Trees) Regulations 1999 (England and Wales) or the Town and Country Planning (Tree Preservation Order and Trees in Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Regulations 1975-84. They are an effective means of protecting individual trees, groups of trees or woodlands whose removal would have significant impact on the public amenity of an area. They form a legal constraint permanently attached to the title of the land where the trees are located.

Downloads

• Tree Preservation – A guide to the Law and Good Practice (PDF)
• Application for tree works - Guidance Notes (PDF)

Printable forms

• Application for tree works: Works to Trees Subject to a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) and/or Notification of Proposed Works to Trees in Conservation Areas (CA) (PDF, KB)

Further information

Do I need permission to work on my trees?

Yes, if your tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO). If the trees are in a Conservation Area, you need to formally notify us about the work you want to carry out. Please use the TPO application form provided above.

Possibly, if the trees are on the site of a development that took place within the last five years. Work to the trees may be restricted by the planning permission granted for that development. Before doing anything, you will need to contact us to check.

If there are many trees to be felled and they are not part of a garden, then you may need a Forestry Commission Felling Licence.

What is a Tree Preservation Order?

A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is a special form of control that applies to certain trees. TPOs are almost always used to protect trees that are visually significant and can be seen from a public place so that they contribute to the look of a place.

It is illegal to cut down, prune, or damage a tree that is protected by a TPO without the Council’s consent. The unauthorised lopping or felling of such a tree is a serious criminal offence and can result in a fine of up to £20,000.

TPOs are made when trees which fall into the categories mentioned above are under threat of being cut down or damaged.

I think my tree is dead, can I remove it?

Any protected tree that is dead, dying or dangerous can be removed without the need to apply for permission. However, the responsibility of proof rests with you. If you plan to remove such a tree, it is a good idea to contact us as soon as possible so that we may carry out a site visit. It is also advisable to take photographs to show the problems with the tree.

Can I remove my hedge?

Only if it is within or forms the boundary of a garden and not protected by a condition of planning permission. Most other hedges are protected by the Hedgerow Regulations 1997 and formal notice must be given to us in writing. We then have 6 weeks from receiving the notice to prevent the work, if this is considered necessary, by serving a Hedgerow Retention Notice.

External websites

• Planning Portal (external link)

Contact us

Officer / Team	Conservation Team
Postal address	Blaby District Council Council Offices Desford Road Narborough Leicester LE19 2EP
E-mail address	planning@blaby.gov.uk
Telephone	0116 272 7705
Fax	0116 272 7593

If you need this information in other languages or formats (large print, Braille or audio), please let us know when you contact us.

This page was last updated on 24th September 2009