Tree Preservation Orders (TPO)
The issuing of a TPO makes it an offence to cut down, top, lop, uproot, wilfully damage or destroy any protected tree(s) without first having obtained permission from the Local Authority.
All types of tree can be protected in this way, whether as single trees or as part of a woodland, copse or other grouping of trees. Protection does not however extend to hedges, bushes or shrubs. A TPO will not prevent planning permission being granted for development. However, the Council will take the presence of TPO trees into account when reaching their decision.
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