It is an offence to cut down, top, lop, uproot, damage or destroy any trees protected by a tree preservation order (TPO) or in a conservation area.
Check our map to find out whether a tree is protected. Select the ‘layer list’ icon in the top-right corner then the ‘planning search by map’ option, then choose the ‘tree preservation orders’ option and turn off the other layers.
When you select the tree on the map you will be shown various data about it – the TPO number is called ‘refval’.
Once you have selected a TPO, select the arrow on the right-hand side of the box to view more information on our planning portal, Public Access.
Using the map
- In the top right-hand corner, select the 'Layer List' icon.
- Select the layers list on the same toolbar as the title 'GCSP Search-by-Map' (or press return, if navigating with a keyboard).
- Select the layers you want to display on the map. If the option is greyed out, please zoom into the map further to activate the layer.
- Select the 'X' icon to close the layers list.
- Search for an address or postcode or zoom in and navigate around the map to the location you require
Trees can be protected by a tree preservation order (TPO), or because they are in conservation areas, or because they are part of a new development and maybe protected by planning conditions.
If you cut down a protected tree without permission you can be fined up to £20,000. If you carry out work without permission but do not destroy the tree, you might still have to go to court and can be fined up to £2,500. In serious cases you could be committed for trial in the Crown Court and, if convicted, liable for a much larger fine.