Tree Preservation Orders

Certain trees are given protection by the Town and Country Planning Act, this protection is provided in the form of a Tree Preservation Order (TPO).

The purpose of a TPO is to protect trees which make an important contribution to their local surroundings

What trees can be protected by a TPO?.

A TPO can cover all types of tree species, including hedgerows trees, but not hedges, bushes or shrubs. It can cover an area of any size and comprise of an individual tree(s) or a group of trees.

What trees are protected in Stevenage?

Tree Preservation Orders have been put in place since the early 1960’s.  The Council is currently reviewing and updating all those Orders made prior to 1999. 

Below you can click on your neighbourhood and find a list of all Tree Preservation Orders within that neighbourhood. 

For those Orders made since 1999, full details are viewable online as a PDF document.  For further information on earlier TPO’s please contact the Duty Planning Officer on 01438 242159, quoting the relevant TPO number.

• Bedwell
• Broadwater
• Chells
• Old Stevenage
• St Nicholas - There are no TPO’s at present within this neighbourhood
• Shephall

What work can be carried out on protected trees?

Tree preservation orders prohibit the cutting down, uprooting, topping, lopping, wilful damage or wilful destruction of trees without the Councils consent.

Trees protected by a TPO, that upon advice and written evidence from a qualified arboriculturalist, are considered to be dead, dying, diseased or dangerous, can be removed, but there is a requirement within the legislation that ensures that any protected removed must be replaced, with a suitable alternative.

• Application for Tree Works – Works to Trees Subject to a Preservation Order (TPO)
• TPO Consent Validation Checklist

Further information

If you are unsure whether a tree is protected by a TPO or require further advice please contact the Development Control team.