Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs)

A TPO is an order made by the local planning authority. A order can be made if we believe that there is a reasonable degree of public benefit in making sure that a tree is not destroyed.

TPOs can be made on:

• individual trees
• groups of trees
• woodlands or areas of trees – this is usually used as an emergency measure until a more detailed site and tree assessment can be carried out

For further information go to Tree Preservation Orders and trees in conservation areas – GOV.UK.

Find a TPO

We keep a register of all TPOs in the area. The register also includes TPOs where we are currently considering confirmation.

Search the TPO register

Whilst this is a definitive list of confirmed order, the title of the TPO (address) may be addressed as it was prior to any subsequent development and may therefore not necessarily include the address of properties built after confirmation. Some trees may also be located on land just outside of the named address. 

Contact us before undertaking any work to a tree.

TPO criteria

A TPO can be made,

if it appears beneficial in the interests of amenity to do so 

The term amenity may refer to position, prominence or visibility.

Submit a request to protect a tree

You can submit a request to protect a tree:

Email: planning@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk 

You must include:

• your address
• the tree species
• the location of the tree (you may wish to provide a map showing the location)
• why the tree is under threat
• whether the tree is publicly visible (for example from a public space, such as a road or footpath, or accessible by the public)
• photographs of the tree

How we decide if a TPO is appropriate

When deciding of a TPO is appropriate, we’ll consider:

• whether the tree(s) can be clearly seen from the public realm (for example, a street or a public right of way) and is easily identified and distinguished
• the wider impact on the local surroundings – the absence of an individual tree may benefit neighbouring trees which can then grow unrestricted to have a greater impact in the future
• the rareness and scarcity of tree cover – if this is the only tree in a particular location its importance increases
• the age and life expectancy – this should not discount a tree from protection and very old trees which might have veteran tree status physical condition and health. A tree needs to be carefully examined by an appropriate tree professional to confirm that the tree(s) involved are sound and free of serious disease or defects. Some defects may not seriously impact upon the wellbeing of the tree and can be removed or remedied by pruning or other management works
• its historic value
• scarcity – is the type of tree particularly rare or unusual?
• threat – is there a clear and identifiable threat that will result in the loss of the tree because of development or other factors
• expediency and appropriateness – although a tree may merit formal protection on amenity grounds it may not be beneficial to do so by the use of TPO’s if they’re already under good management, a TPO may discourage the landowner from looking after their trees (because of the bureaucracy) and result in no management being carried. This would be detrimental to the trees, group of trees or woodland and local amenity in the long term