Acting as a Local Planning Authority, we have some influence in the management of privately owned trees only where they are afforded statutory protection under a Tree Preservation Order, or because they are in a Conservation Area.
There are two types of statutory designation that may apply to trees in private ownership: the Tree Preservation Order (TPO), which applies to trees at individual addresses and locations, and the Conservation Area, wherein a level of blanket protection exists applying to all trees above 75mm diameter when measured at 1.5 metres up the stem.
Penalties for unauthorised work to such trees are broadly similar, attracting fines up to £20,000 for willful destruction of protected trees.
