Town and Country Planning (Tree Preservation) (England) Regulations 2012
What this means for your business
- Enforced by
- Local Authority
- Applies to
- United Kingdom
- On this page
- 4 compliance obligations, 2 practical guides across 2 topics
What you must do
4 compliance obligations under this legislation.
Management duties 1
Do not cut, damage or destroy trees protected by a Tree Preservation Order
Unlimited fineIf a tree is listed in a Tree Preservation Order, you must not cut, top, lop, uproot, damage or destroy it unless you have written consent from the council or the Secretary of State. The order takes effect from the date it is made, so the restriction is ongoing.
Other requirements 2
Do not cut, damage or destroy trees protected by a Tree Preservation Order
Unlimited fineIf any tree on your premises is covered by a Tree Preservation Order, you must not cut it down, top it, lop it, uproot it, wilfully damage it or destroy it, and you must not allow anyone else to do so. You can only carry out those actions if you have written consent from the planning authority and you follow any conditions attached to that consent.
Submit a consent application for works on protected trees
Unlimited fineIf you need to cut down, top, lop or uproot a tree that is covered by a Tree Preservation Order, you must first apply in writing to the relevant authority using the prescribed form. Your application must include a site plan, details of the work, your reasons and any evidence of damage or safety risk. If you apply electronically you automatically agree to receive communications that way until you formally withdraw that consent.
Reporting and filing 1
Provide requested information for tree‑preservation appeal
If your business is involved in a tree‑preservation appeal, the Secretary of State (or an appointed person) can ask you to supply extra information or representations in writing. You must send that information within the time‑frame they set. Failing to do so could delay or harm your appeal.
Penalties for non-compliance
3 penalties under this legislation. 3 carry an unlimited fine.
Do not cut, damage or destroy trees protected by a Tree Preservation Order
Unlimited fine
Do not cut, damage or destroy trees protected by a Tree Preservation Order
Unlimited fine
Submit a consent application for works on protected trees
Unlimited fine
Practical guidance
Our guides explain how to comply with the requirements above.
Trees and hedgerows: quick reference for businesses
Quick reference covering felling licence thresholds, Tree Preservation Order penalties, hedgerow notification periods, conservation area rules, restocking obligations, and key …
Work with Tree Preservation Orders
How to identify Tree Preservation Orders on your site, apply for consent to carry out works to protected trees, and …
Sections and provisions
28 classified provisions from this legislation.
Duties 11
- s.3 Form of tree preservation order
- s.5 Procedure after making an order objection or representation
- s.7 Procedure for confirmation of a tree preservation order The authority
- s.8 Action after confirmation of tree preservation order
- s.9 Action where tree preservation order not confirmed
- s.10 Variation of tree preservation orders
- s.11 Revocation of tree preservation orders
- s.12 Register authority
- s.13 Prohibited activities tree
- s.16 Applications for consent under tree preservation order structural damage
- s.22 Further information