Tree Preservation Orders
Find out if a tree is protected. Get information about working on trees with Tree Preservation Orders or trees within conservation areas.
What a Tree Preservation order is
Tree Preservation Orders are made by councils to protect important trees and woodland.
The main effect of an order is to prohibit the cutting down, uprooting, topping, lopping, wilful damage or wilful destruction of trees without the permission of the local authority.
In Brighton & Hove, hundreds of trees are protected by such orders. Complete our parks contact form to find out whether a tree is protected.
Work on trees under a Tree Preservation Order
According to The Town and Country Planning (Tree Preservation)(England) Regulations 2012, a new standard form for applications must be used for consent to work on trees under a Tree Preservation Order. The changes also streamline the process for dealing with appeals against tree preservation order application decisions.
You can apply for a Tree Preservation Order using the Planning Portal. If you need help completing the form, read the guidance notes.
Although there are no changes to the way conservation area notifications are submitted, the same information is required as in the Tree Preservation Order application.
If you are unable to use the Planning Portal, use our parks contact form to request an email copy of the Tree Preservation Order form. Please note that this method of processing the application will take longer compared to applying online.
Complete our parks contact form if:
- there are trees which you think should be protected
- if you've seen work being carried out on a protected tree and want to know if the owner has permission
Copies of Tree Preservation Orders
Request a copy of a Tree Preservation Order. The fee is £44.20. We'll invoice you for the fee.
Trees in Conservation Areas
Do you intend to fell or carry out work on a tree within a Conservation Area?
Does the tree have a stem diameter which exceeds 75mm when measured at 1.5m above ground level?
If so, then you must give the council 6 weeks of prior written notice of your intention to carry out this work. You can do this using the Planning Portal. If you need help completing the form, read the guidance notes.
This is a legal requirement. The purpose of this is to give us an opportunity to consider whether a Tree Preservation Order should be made in respect of the tree.