TPO

Tree Preservation Orders

Section 198 of the Town and Country Planning Act, 1990, allows local authorities to make Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) to prevent trees being cut down or wilfully damaged. The Council has a duty to make sure that adequate consideration is given to the need to retain trees, to plant new trees and to make Tree Preservation Orders.

The Council normally makes new orders in response to development proposals and when requested to do so by residents. Before making an order, the Council must be satisfied that there will be a reasonable amount of public benefit from preserving a particular tree. Usually it must be clearly visible from a public place such as a road or park. The tree will be inspected to check that it is generally sound and healthy for potential of long life. The tree should not be located so close to a building that it would be unreasonable to refuse its removal if requested. Each case is assessed on its own merits.

New Tree Preservation Orders

TPO304/2025 - Land to the east of Bishop Wand Church of England School and north of Hawkedale County First School 

On 9 July 2025, the Council has served Tree Preservation Order TPO304/2025 to preserve All Trees of Whatever Species within Land to the East of Bishop Wand Church of England School and to the North of Hawkedale County First School bounded by Stratton Road, Sunbury-on-Thames with immediate effect.  

The Council has six months (starting from the served date) in which to decide whether to confirm the Order, with or without modification, so that it becomes permanent or alternatively not to confirm the order, in which case it would cease to have effect. This will be considered by the Planning Department in due course.

TPO303/2025 - Land on or adjacent to the north of 133 Kenyngton Drive, Sunbury-on-Thames, TW16 7RU

On 26 February 2025, the Council made the above Area Tree Preservation Order (TPO302/2025). The effect of the Order was to protect all the trees in the area indicated within the provided plan of Land at or adjacent to the North of 133 Kenyngton Sunbury-on-Thames TW16 7RU for a temporary period of 6 months.

The Council has served Tree Preservation Order TPO303/2025 to preserve 1 x Oak tree within Land On Or Adjacent To The North Of 133 Kenyngton Drive Sunbury-on-Thames TW16 7RU with immediate effect. Consequently, this replaces the current Area Tree Preservation Order (TPO302/2025). The remaining trees within the previously outlined area A1 are no longer covered by a Tree Preservation Order.

The Council has six months (starting from the served date) in which to decide whether to confirm the Order, with or without modification, so that it becomes permanent or alternatively not to confirm the order, in which case it would cease to have effect. This will be considered by the Planning Department in due course.

Applications for work to preserved trees

Once a tree is included in a Tree Preservation Order it may not be felled, pruned or altered in any way without the written consent of the Local Planning Authority. An exception to this relates to Dangerous Trees and this is dealt with below. Responsibility for the care and maintenance of the tree remains with the owner.

Most trees will survive for many years without the need for any attention. However, common law requires owners to take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of their trees. Trees growing close to buildings, public places or roads will require maintenance from time to time.

It will need to contain sufficient information to identify the tree (or trees), the location and details of the work proposed. It is helpful to include a copy of a written quotation from the tree surgeon. In processing the application it is Council policy to notify immediate neighbours of the proposed work if there is felling involved. For all applications the tree will be inspected and the suitability of the work assessed, having regard to the principles of good surgery, the value of the tree and the reasons for carrying out the work.

Tree pruning

Pruning may be required to repair or remove dangerous/damaged branches, to balance, lighten or improve the shape of the tree. In carrying out work to its own trees, the Council will apply the same care and standards which would be required for trees subject to Tree Preservation Orders. We encourage minimal pruning to retain as natural a shape as possible.  Trees on Council owned land are not usually included in TPOs. Street trees are the responsibility of Surrey County Council.

Tree pruning advice for tree owners

Forms of tree surgery

Crown thinning is designed to lighten the crown to allow light to penetrate and to leave an even, well-balanced branch structure. It involves the removal of weak, thin and crossing branches and as many secondary branches. Normally a 25-30% thinning is regarded as the maximum amount acceptable.

Crown lifting involves the removal of lower branches to provide a desired amount of clearance above ground level. This can be achieved either by the removal of the whole branch or only those parts which extend below the desired height.

Crown reduction is a method of re-shaping the crown of a tree to make it smaller. It involves cutting back all branches to a suitable side bud or fork. It is a technique best used on broad crowned trees but it is not always suitable, eg beech and birch, which tend to die-back from the cuts. Reduction needs to be carried out with care and is not recommended as a regular treatment.

Pollarding otherwise known as topping or lopping involves removing the whole branch structure to leave only the main trunk. It is regarded as bad practice and will rarely be acceptable. With many species the resultant vigorous re-growth will form a dense crown creating more problems.

Cleaning out sometimes described as 'dead wooding' involves the removal of all dead, dying and obviously diseased or dangerous branches and stumps, together with unwanted climbing plants.

Major tree surgery should only be undertaken by suitably qualified contractors, both for reasons of safety and to avoid irreparable damage to trees. All work should be carried out in accordance with the appropriate British Standard Recommendations for Tree Work BS 3998:2010.

Advice

• whether a tree is preserved, the Council wishes to encourage all owners to carry out work to the appropriate standards recommended here
• do not employ casual contractors who call at your house offering to do work on your tree. An apparent 'cheap job' may result in considerable expense at a later date
• always check that your contractor is fully insured against third party risks

This information only covers the basic legislation and procedures relating to the preservation of trees. In particular instances reference to more detailed aspects of the legislation or specifications may be necessary. If in doubt, seek qualified advice or contact the Council.

References

• British Standard Recommendations for Tree Work BS 3998:2010
• The Town and Country Planning (Tree Preservation)(England) Regulations 2012

Further information

For enquiries about Tree Preservation Orders, trees in Conservation Areas and applications for tree work contact Customer Services or email the Planning Department.

For enquiries about trees in parks, open spaces and amenity land contact Neighbourhood Services.

For enquiries about street trees contact Surrey County Council.