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What is the penalty for breaching a TPO?

What is the penalty for breaching a TPO?

The Council have the power to take legal action against anyone contravening a Tree Preservation Order under Section 210(2) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, which provides that anyone found guilty of these offences is liable, if convicted in the magistrates’ court, to a fine of up to £20,000.

What happens if you break a tree preservation order?

If you destroy a tree that has a TPO, you can be fined £20,000. If you work on a tree without permission, and you damage it (but don’t destroy it), you can still be fined up to £2,500.

What happens if you cut a tree down with a TPO?

If a tree or trees are subject to a TPO then the owners may not carry out or allow the carrying out of any of the prohibited activities without the written consent of the local planning authority. Broadly, if the breach is likely to lead to the tree being destroyed, the offence is subject to an unlimited fine.

What is the fine for removing a protected tree?

If a protected tree is damaged and/or destroyed without our permission, the owner or person carrying out the work may be prosecuted and fined up to £20,000. A replacement tree may also have to be planted.

Can you challenge a TPO?

Appealing against a Tree Preservation Order. It is the local council authority who make the decisions about working on trees protected by a TPO. But, you can make an appeal if you already applied to carry out work on a protected tree, or cut it down, and: You disagree with, or dispute, the decision made by the council.

Can you cut back a tree with a preservation order?

If you do have a tree or a garden that is subject to a TPO, then you are unable to cut down the tree. Every effort must be made by the landowner to ensure that the tree remains healthy and well looked after. Especial care should be taken of any trees that are growing in hedgerows.

Can a tree preservation order be removed?

There is no need to apply for a TPO to be removed if you would like to remove it perhaps for development. Simply apply for permission to cut back or remove the tree. Removal of TPOs is extremely rare and not worth doing.

Can I remove a dead tree with a TPO?

There is no need to apply for a TPO to be removed if you would like to remove it perhaps for development. Simply apply for permission to cut back or remove the tree.

Can I cut back a tree with a TPO?

A Tree With A TPO If you do have a tree or a garden that is subject to a TPO, then you are unable to cut down the tree. Every effort must be made by the landowner to ensure that the tree remains healthy and well looked after. Especial care should be taken of any trees that are growing in hedgerows.

Can you cut back a tree with a TPO?

Can a tree preservation order be overturned?

The only way it can be removed is by the council. Generally, the main reason a TPO could be removed would be because there was a mistake with the original order and if this was the case, a new order would be required. However, it’s also possible that the TPO could be lifted if the tree is dead, dying or diseased.

Who is responsible for a tree with a preservation order?

Owners remain responsible for trees covered by tree preservation orders, their condition and any damage they may cause. But the authority’s permission is usually required before any work is carried out to the trees (see questions 11-14).

What is a tree preservation order in England?

A Tree Preservation Order is an order made by a local planning authority in England to protect specific trees, groups of trees or woodlands. These Orders prohibit the: of protected trees without the local planning authority’s written consent.

What’s the maximum fine for breaking a tree?

Councils have the power to prosecute anyone for breaking a tree preservation order. This includes, cutting down, topping, lopping, removing, ringbarking or causing any damage to a tree whether directly or indirectly. The maximum fine in the Local Court is $2,000.

Is there criminal liability for breach of a tree preservation order?

Criminal liability is strict for breach of a Tree Preservation Order; however, the general rule is that the liability does not pass to successors in title. As a precaution, it is advised that the details of each individual case are checked carefully. In this case, the protected trees are not evident on the property.

Can a hedge be protected by a preservation order?

Can shrubs and hedges be protected by a Tree Preservation Order? Authorities may only use an Order to protect anything that may ordinarily be termed a tree. This would not normally include shrubs, but could include, for example, trees in a hedge or an old hedge which has become a line of trees of a reasonable height.