Tree Conservation Areas & Tree Preservation Orders

In North East Lincolnshire, some of our trees are protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or may have a Conservation Area status. This means that to carry out any type of work to the tree, the owner must first submit an application to the local council. Here at Ross Jones Tree Services, we can complete this application on your behalf and provide advice prior to carrying out the work.

Tree Preservation Orders (TPO)

[Information source: https://www.nelincs.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/protected-trees]

The Council is committed to preserving the landscape character of North East Lincolnshire.

In order to conserve the benefits that trees provide, the Local Planning Authority has the power to make Tree Preservation Orders. The Authority has a statutory obligation to publicly display new TPO’s for a period of four weeks.

The Local Planning Authority can make a Tree Preservation Order in respect of either an individual tree, a groups of trees or whole woodlands in the interest of preserving public amenity.

A Tree Preservation Order prohibits the:

  • cutting down
  • uprooting
  • topping
  • lopping
  • wilful damage or
  • wilful destruction

of trees without the Local Planning Authorities consent this also includes the roots of trees.

Anyone in contravention of a Tree Preservation Order and found guilty of an offence is liable, if convicted in a magistrates court, to a fine of up to £20,000. In serious cases for trial in the Crown Court, if convicted the fine maybe unlimited.

Trees in Conservation Areas

One of the benefits of living in a Conservation Area is the greater consideration given to maintaining and enhancing the existing character of the area.

Trees within a Conservation Area make an important contribution to the character of the environment, the character and appearance of which is desirable to preserve and enhance. The Town and Country Planning Act makes special provision for trees in Conservation Areas that are not subject to a Tree Preservation Order (TPO). Anyone proposing to carry out work on a tree within a Conservation Area is required to give the Local Planning Authority six weeks prior notice. Anyone who cuts down, uproots, tops, lops, wilfully destroys or wilfully damages a tree in a Conservation Area without giving notice will be guilty of an offence. The same penalties apply as those for contravening a Tree Preservation Order.

North East Lincolnshire Conservation Areas

View maps of each Conservation Area:

For advice on whether your tree is within a conservation area or protected by a TPO, please feel free to get in touch with our team on 01472 320999.

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