Tree Preservation Orders

What is a Tree Preservation Order?

A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is issued to prohibit felling, uprooting, topping, lopping, wilful damage or wilful destruction of trees without Mid Devon District Council's consent (see Legislation.gov.uk - Town and Country Planning Act 1990).

The Planning Section is responsible for protecting trees that grow in a conservation area or have Tree Preservation Orders on them. To find out whether a tree has a Tree Preservation Order or is in a Conservation Area or to carry out works on protected trees contact Contact Customer Services and ask for the Planning section.

Further information about the process

Anyone who is intending to carry out works on a protected tree must apply for consent from Mid Devon District Council, and then you must also gain consent from the tree owner prior to carrying out the work. If work is undertaken on a protected tree without first gaining consent from the District Council a criminal prosecution could follow leading to a substantial fine. An application to carry out works to a tree protected by a TPO is likely to be determined within 8 weeks of being registered. For trees in a Conservation Area, you must submit a notification of your intention to carry out the works, and you should expect a response from the Planning Authority 6 weeks from the time the notification is registered.