Tree preservation orders

Tandridge District has about 600 tree preservation orders throughout the area and they vary enormously in size and form. One tree preservation order can protect hundreds of trees (as with Warlingham Park Hospital - now developed for housing) or it may be as important on another site to protect just one valuable tree. During the past few years the Council has made an average of 25 new tree preservation orders every year.

Making an application for tree works
If you would like to apply for works to protected trees it is now a requirement that you use the national standard form. The form is available via our Planning application forms web page (form number 31). Please take time to read the TPO Applications Guidance Notes before completing your application.

Alternatively an elctronic application can be made through the Planning Portal - Make an Application page.

Once a valid application has been received, adjoining owners will be consulted for their views which will be taken into account. If the application involves the felling of a protected tree the matter may be decided at Committee, other works may be decided by Officers, although particularly controversial applications may also be referred to Committee.

The Council will then write to tell you whether permission has been granted or refused.

It is the aim of this Council to decide all applications within an 8 week time period, unless an extension of time is agreed with the applicant.

Carrying out the work

You should ensure that you employ a reputable contractor who has adequate insurance. You can find a professional contractor from the Arboricultural Association.

Buying a copy of a tree preservation order
You can buy a copy of a Tree Preservation Order from the Council. Please contact planningadmin@tandridge.gov.uk for further details or telephone 01883 732859. The copy will include the legal document and a plan indicating which trees are the subject of the order.

More information

The Department for Communities and Local Government has published a leaflet regarding Tree Preservation Orders and this can be found on the Department of Communities and Local Government Tree Preservation web page. Copies can also be obtained from the tree section, 01883 732869. A leaflet on appeals against refusals to permit work to protected trees is available on the DCLG web page. You can also look at Trees - your questions answered for answers to common questions.