Tree Preservation Orders
How are Tree Preservation Orders Made?
First, one of our qualified staff will assess the tree(s). The
tree will have to pass a number of key tests.
- It should be in a reasonably, healthy and safe condition, or
capable of being made so, and likely to have reasonably long life
expectancy.
- It should be a good and attractive specimen and not be
seriously misshapen or damaged.
- It should make a visual contribution to the community at large
and not be simply for private benefit.
- It should not be so close to existing or proposed buildings
that it will seriously diminish amenity interests of occupiers or
the buildings' structural stability.
It is not practicable to protect every tree falling in the above
categories so a
TPO
is
normally considered where a tree is at risk, such as through
proposed building development.
If a
TPO
is
considered appropriate, our first step will be to make a
"Provisional
TPO
".
This has immediate effect but only lasts for six months and will
then lapse unless we formally make it a "Confirmed
TPO
".
Copies of a provisional
TPO
will be served on all owners
and occupiers of land directly affected by the Order. All new
TPO
's are recorded on
the Local Land Charges Register which will mean that they appear in
the conveyancing search when a property is being sold.
If you wish to object to a provisional
TPO
you must do so in writing,
within 28 days of the Notice being served. You must make clear
which tree(s) you are objecting to and why. These objections are
often resolved by voluntary negotiation. Otherwise, our
Planning Committee will decide whether or not to confirm the
Order.
In the case where no objection is made to a provisional
TPO
, we will normally
simply confirm the Order upon expiry of the objection period (42
days).
Search Tree Preservation Orders