Trees
Tree Preservation Orders
What is a Tree Preservation Order
A Tree Preservation Order is an order made to protect certain trees because of their intrinsic beauty, the special contribution they make to the landscape or street scene, or because of their benefit to the appearance of a new development.
Trees covered by preservation orders have special protection by law.
It is an offence to cut down, uproot, prune (roots as well as branches), damage or destroy any protected tree without the permission of Northampton Borough Council.
If you do, you could be prosecuted and fined. If a tree has been removed or destroyed, you may also be required to plant replacements.
To check whether a tree is protected, contact the Council's Arboricultural Officer -
Tel: 01604 837789
e-mail: arboricultural officer
Applying for Tree Preservation Order Consent
From time to time all trees should be professionally inspected and some may need surgery. The Council's Arboricultural Officer will inspect and advise on what, if anything, needs to be done. This advice is provided free of charge and will form the basis of any consent that you need before tree work can be carried out.
Application for consent to carry out works to protected trees should be made on an application form:
Tree Work Contractors
Tree work is a skilled profession and can be hazardous. Proper tree work contractors have the right equipment, insurance, skills and knowledge of tree law for their own and your protection. You should always employ a professionally-accredited tree contractor for work on protected trees.
What Work Does Not Need Permission?
Normally, permission is not required for the removal or pruning of a tree which is:
- dead, dying or dangerous (get professional confirmation)
- directly in the way of development which is about to begin and for which detailed planning permission has been granted
- to prevent or control a nuisance (in the legal sense).
It is, however, always prudent to get confirmation from the Council's Arboricultural Officer that permission is not needed before embarking on any work.
Contact Us
The Arboricultural Officer
Planning Policy & Conservation
Cliftonville House,
Bedford Road,
Northampton
NN4 7NR
Tel: 01604 837789
Email: arbofficer@northampton.gov.uk
Date last reviewed: 11/06/2010
Pages in Trees
- 1. Tree Advice
- 2. You are here Tree Preservation Orders
- 3. Trees in Conservation Areas
- 4. Trees Protected by Planning Conditions
- 5. Guidance for Developers
- 6. Protected Trees - frequently asked questions
Contact the Council
- Email: enquiries@northampton.gov.uk
- Telephone: 01604 837837
- Use our feedback form or find key contact details