Tree Preservation Order
If a tree, group of trees or woodland within the village or its surroundings are protected under a Tree Preservation Order made by the local planning authority at Dorset Council the principal effect is to prohibit the:
- cutting down,
- uprooting,
- topping,
- lopping,
- wilful damage or,
- wilful destruction of trees without the Council’s consent
The cutting of roots also requires the District Council’s consent. The District Council have eight weeks within which to determine an application to carry out works to a tree or trees affected by a TPO.
- Trees in the Conservation Area:
The law relating to conservation areas also extends to trees as they may, along with other landscape features, also contribute to the special character of a conservation area. Trees in conservation areas which are already protected by a Tree preservation orders
(TPOs) are subject to the normal TPO controls. But legislation also makes special provision for trees in conservation areas which are not the subject of a TPO. Therefor anyone proposing to cut down or carry out work on a tree in a conservation area (as described
under the TPO section above) is required to give Dorset Council six weeks' prior notice (a 'section 211 notice'). The purpose of this requirement is to give the LPA an opportunity to consider whether a TPO should be made in respect of the tree.