If there is a need to cut down or carry out tree surgery to a tree covered by a TPO, you need written permission from us.
The quickest and easiest way to request for work to be done on a protected tree, is to apply online on the Planning Portal website:
Read the guidance notes to help you with your application
Alternatively download a paper form and post it to us using the address below.
For more information on tree protection see the government guidance.
Before carrying out work on any protected tree, ask for specialist advice from an approved tree contractor or our tree protection officer on 01603 989342.
What happens next
Applications for work to trees protected by a TPO are decided within eight weeks.
If you are denied permission to carry out the work you can appeal against the decision to the secretary of state.
Should a tree covered by a TPO become dangerous (eg due to a storm) evidence of the tree's condition must be collected in the first instance, even in an emergency.
If work is to be carried out on a dead, dying or dangerous tree please advise planning services on 01603 212546. This is to check that there is a good reason to remove the tree and amend the records.
Dead, dying or dangerous trees must be replaced unless otherwise agreed with the TPO.
No other approval is required if the tree to which proposed work is to be carried out is in a private garden.
For anywhere else – and if the tree or trees are over five cubic metres (timber volume) – permission will be needed from the Forestry Commission.
